Relationship Mediation
It is a myth that if you are with the right partner you will never experience conflict.
There are many differences and difficult conversations that arise in any intimate, long term relationship. Conflict is a normal and essential part of our relationships. How conflict is navigated can determine the quality and sustainability of our intimate relationships.
Mediation is a supported conversation between you and your partner to talk through issues that you are struggling with. Some examples to bring to mediation are:
how you divide the chores and responsibilities
differences in parenting
financial issues
intimacy and sexual issues
infidelity and trust issues
value differences
how you want to communicate and work out issues ongoing as a couple
Mediation is a formal yet open space where you are assisted in navigating conflicts through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques.
Mediation is an effective way to improve communication, skilfully navigate conflicts and improve relationships.
Relationship Mediation can help couples gain insight into their conflict patterns and enrich their relationships through more skilful communication. The aim is to help couples and families stay together and keep on living together harmoniously.
It can also be valuable for de facto relationships and for newly formed relationships to establish what kind of relationship you want to create together. Most couples don’t make any agreements at the start of their relationships and have very little clarity about the future, which can lead to problems further along. Having these awkward conversations early on in a relationship can bring more clarity and openness into a relationship and leads to less conflict long term.
Conflicts that happen as a result of differences are completely normal in close relationships. Differences represent the diversity and individuality of family members and overall need to be respected rather than discouraged.
How is Mediation Different to Counselling?
Next steps:
1. Book your 15 minute Get to Know You Session to see if Mediation will suit your situation.
2. Then both yourself and your partner will be invited to an intake session to prepare for the mediation.
3. We will work out a time that suits everyone. Mediation takes approx. 2-3 hours and is best done in the morning when everyone is well rested.
4. On the day it will be yourself and your partner and any support people you have both agreed upon. We will be either online or in person and I may have a co-mediator. If conflict is high you may be in separate rooms.
5. Everyone will get a chance to speak and listen. There will be time for one on one private session’s with myself or my co-mediator.
6. The number of sessions needed varies depending on your specific circumstances.