Mediation has opened my eyes to an alternative to law. It is a satisfying and rewarding method of resolving disputes.
What is it?
Mediation is a way for parties to take control of their disputes and seek a mutually acceptable resolution with the help of an impartial person – the mediator.
The process is voluntary and all concerned must agree that they wish to try to resolve their dispute through mediation.
The mediation process includes a meeting between the people in dispute at which the mediator encourages each person to have their say.
In this meeting, the mediator:
- asks questions and facilitates discussion to enable those at the meeting to reach a resolution
- does not judge, suggest solutions or impose decisions, but helps those in dispute to come to an agreement that suits them
- empowers people to resolve their own dispute by understanding the interests and the feelings of those involved.
Mediation Video
Here's a video simulation, published by O'Sullivan Solutions (www.osullivansolutions.ie) showing part of a mediation meeting ...