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The Oakhill Advantage |
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Oakhill Counselling & Mediation |
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In this process, a trained and objective third party assists individuals or groups in dealing with conflict by facilitating communication, clarifying the issues, and exploring solutions. It is a quick and efficient way of dealing with difficult issues and far less expensive than litigation or other approaches to dispute resolution. The end product is generally a comprehensive written agreement that can be turned into a legally binding document (e.g. court order, contract, etc.).
Unlike other methods of resolving conflict, mediation reduces the stress of the conflict, diminishes the risk of damage to on-going relationships, and increases the probability of compliance with solutions reached. Also, individuals who become familiar with mediation techniques through first-hand experience may become more able to resolve future issues on their own.
People often incorrectly believe that mediation is not possible, or advisable, if there is a high degree of conflict associated with the dispute. In fact, mediation is designed to deal with difficult situations safely through the use of pre-mediation sessions, appropriate screening instruments, and procedural safeguards. Individuals do not have to meet together in order to engage in mediation, although it is generally better if they are able to do so.
Mediators can provide general information but not legal advice. Though it is not mandatory, it may be useful for participants to seek legal guidance in regards to questions they may have or for a legal evaluation of the final written agreement.
Types of conflict that may benefit from this approach are:
¨ Workplace Issues ¨ Parent/Teen Issues ¨ Business/Consumer disputes ¨ Harassment Complaints ¨ Landlord/Tenant Disputes ¨ Marital Breakdown (e.g. terms of separation/divorce, financial settlement, Custody/access)
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Mediation |
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Mediators |