Mediation Session

Service Description

Mediation Approach I try to understand as much as possible about the situation before we begin, and then I adapt my priorities during mediation based on analysis informed by empathetic listening. I take the time to hear the story of the conflict from every perspective. I usually ask many open-ended questions, carefully crafted not to imply an opinion but to allow the person sharing to clarify their thoughts. I then do what the great negotiator William Ury called "Go to the Balcony." Here, I try to get every party to step back and look at the situation from a broader perspective, as if they were an outside observer. Once everyone feels that their viewpoint has been heard and understood, they are more able to view the situation objectively, more able to look deeply into what is ultimately needed to move forward, and more likely to drill down past the hurt to articulate their real interests, which, if achieved, would be far better than the pain and expense of the conflict. This process often leads both parties to embrace the possibility of building their own bridge to success. Session is $400 per hour (4 hour minimum) Note: Court ordered mediation received a significant discount once the order is verified.