Mediation at Insights is conducted by licensed marriage and family therapists with extensive training and experience in mediation. They help families in resolve disputes peacefully and cooperatively.
Mediation is a confidential process in which a neutral third party, the mediator, helps two or more parties reach a mutually agreeable resolution to their dispute. The mediator does not take sides or make decisions for the parties, but rather facilitates communication and helps the parties explore options and reach a mutually satisfying agreement.
The stages of mediation:
- Mediator’s opening statement: The mediator introduces everyone, explains the goals and rules of mediation, and encourages each side to work cooperatively toward a settlement.
- Clients’ opening statements: Each party has the opportunity to describe the dispute in their own words and explain how they have been affected.
- Joint discussion: The mediator helps the parties communicate directly about what was said in the opening statements. This is the time to identify the issues that need to be addressed and to prioritize them.
- Private meetings: The mediator may meet with each party privately to discuss their strengths and weaknesses and to explore possible settlement options.
- Joint negotiation: The mediator brings the parties back together to negotiate directly.
- Closure: If an agreement is reached, the mediator or attorneys (if present) will put it in writing. Each party will have the opportunity to review and discuss the agreement before signing it. If no agreement is reached, the mediator will review whatever progress has been made and advise the parties of their options.