Mediation – What Does It Mean And How Does It Work?

"You should go to mediation" is a sentence which makes a lot of sense for those who deal regularly with family conflict. But if you haven't done it before what does it mean and how does it work?

What does it mean?

Being told to "go to mediation" suggests that you have a disagreement with someone that you are struggling to solve. A constructive conversation with an open mind may lead to a resolution, but you need to be prepared to mediate in the first place. It is a voluntary process.

Going to mediation means you want to try to resolve the situation. It shouldn't be mistaken for counselling or an attempt at reconciliation. Also, it should not be viewed as a sign of weakness. Often the hardest part is the conversation itself especially where communications have broken down entirely.