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Mediation

Mediation is a form of dispute resolution aimed at negotiating an agreement. It usually has a structure and a timetable and involves the participants taking specific roles. Not all counsellors, therapists or coaches practice mediation. It is a separate and specialised skill that is acquired in addition to standard professional training.

Family mediation helps those experiencing family breakdown to listen and communicate better with each other with a view to reaching an agreement during a separation or divorce.

Mediation can help teenagers and young people sort out differences with their parents. It can assist with disputes between neighbours or between colleagues.

Mediation has a very specific and clear role. It is important that this is not confused with the role of a counsellor or therapist in a particular situation. If, for example, a practitioner has been working with a couple in a counselling role and that couple decided to seek mediation, it would be inappropriate for the same counsellor to continue as the mediator. However many counsellors, therapists and coaches do have mediation training. There is now webcam software that makes it possible for a mediator to meet online with two or more people all in different locations. This new technology means that online mediation can assist people who are geographically isolated or those who just want to save the travel time or enjoy the comfort or privacy of meeting over the Internet.

This information is only general and is not a substitute for a professional consultation.

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