In most cases, one of the parties involved calls me with a request to start mediation. I then contact both parties, usually by phone, to learn more about the conflict and invite them to an initial mediation session. If requested, I conduct individual and confidential intake interviews with each party separately, either face to face or by phone.
Mediation discussions are always confidential. I help those in a conflict situation work together voluntarily to resolve their conflict as quickly as possible.
During the mediation sessions (usually no more than 5) we pass through a number of phases. Firstly, I identify precisely, according to both sides, what the conflict is about. I then invite those involved together to openly discuss the hurdles that stand in the way of a satisfactory solution. This leads to the parties coming together to discuss what is personally at stake for each side. Searching for solutions that match the needs of each party is then the most creative phase of mediation.
When both sides have come to an agreement, if desired, I then set out what has been agreed in the form of a settlement covenant. In most cases this forms the final phase of mediation.
In some cases, the parties involved ask whether they can bring their own lawyers or other advisors to the mediation discussions. This is never a problem, as I am there to help each side resolve the conflict as effectively and quickly as possible.