Mediation

“You can’t always get what you want,
But if you try sometimes, you find
You get what you need.”

— Rolling Stones

You will need an experienced mediator if you are:

Feeling emotionally hijacked
Stuck and need help getting unstuck
Looking for a solution that sucks the least
Avoiding a conversation
Still avoiding it…

You know that conversation that seems impossible to have?
With the person who simply is impossible?
Family. Coworker. Partner. Neighbor. Collaborator.
You know, other humans.

As a mediator I help people have hard conversations. When I do my job well, everyone involved feels safe and heard. Usually some decisions need to be made. Decisions that could cast a long shadow. I help everyone bring the best version of themselves to the conversation.

Typically I can help clients, be it groups or individuals, move through a challenge with less pain and less expense. You will probably feel better about yourself too. Less Drama. Less Destruction.

What is Mediation

The American Bar Association defines mediation is a private process where a neutral third person called a mediator helps the parties discuss and try to resolve the dispute. The parties have the opportunity to describe the issues, discuss their interests, understandings, and feelings; provide each other with information and explore ideas for the resolution of the dispute.

While courts can mandate that certain cases go to mediation, the process remains “voluntary” in that the parties are not required to come to agreement. The mediator does not have the power to make a decision for the parties, but can help the parties find a resolution that is mutually acceptable. The only people who can resolve the dispute in mediation are the parties themselves.

If the parties reach an agreement, the mediator may help reduce the agreement to a written contract, which may be enforceable in court.

I can’t believe how quickly Karen put me at ease. She is a very easy person to trust. I feel safe when I am talking with her.

— Carl P.
Participant, Team Mediation