Mediation is an informal yet scientific, proven process by which a neutral third party assists opposing parties reach a voluntary, negotiated resolution to a dispute. Mediation can resolve differences between neighbors, families, businesses, employers and employees — in fact, any conflict wherein two or more persons are having difficulty finding a reasonable solution, even if they have resorted to negative feelings, can be resolved through mediation.

At the core of mediation is the use of Appreciative Inquiry.

Appreciative Inquiry is well grounded in the new sciences of chaos and complexity theory, quantum physics, the concept of social constructionism (we create our world by our inner and outer dialogues) and the many years of diverse research on imagery and positive thinking. ...it seeks to discover those behaviors, attitudes, and practices that reflect the best expressions of the human system when it is functioning optimally. — Timothy Germany, Mediator, Federal Mediation and Conciliation Service

Whereas most conflicts eventually break down into the hostile projection of each party's thoughts and ideas upon their unwilling and unreceptive opponents, Appreciative Inquiry is just the opposite — it is the active pursuit of information and understanding. When used by a neutral third party to resolve a conflict, Appreciative Inquiry becomes an indispensable tool of mediation and helps find the points of unity common to both parties.

Through mediation, the parties involved find their own solution instead of having a decision forced upon them by an outside party. By its very nature the mediation process results in a win - win resolution.

Some of the types of disputes or decision-making that often go to mediation include the following:

Family:

• Prenuptial agreements
• Financial or budget disagreements
• Separation
• Divorce
• Financial distribution and spousal support (alimony)
• Parenting plans (child custody and visitation)
• Eldercare issues
• Family businesses
• Adult sibling conflicts
• Disputes between parents and adult children
• Estate disputes
• Medical ethics and end-of-life issues

Workplace:

• Wrongful termination
• Discrimination
• Harassment
• Grievances
• Labor management

Public disputes:

• Environmental
• Land use

Disputes involving the following issues:

• Landlord-tenant
• Homeowners' associations
• Builders/contractors/realtors/homeowners
• Contracts of any kind
• Medical malpractice
• Personal injury
• Partnerships
• Non-profit organizations
• Faith communities

Other:

• Youth (school conflicts; peer mediation);
• Violence prevention
• Victim-Offender mediation

If you have any other questions don't hesitate to contact me.