Private Mediation and Conflict Coaching
Conflict can arise at any time. But there are certain situations
and stages of life which may benefit from a mediator. A neutral
third party can help navigate through these periods of high
conflict, as well as build skills that can sustain change.
Mediating Difficult Conversations Between Siblings:
Siblings are most people’s longest-lasting relationship. Many
siblings are close, but even then, that does not mean that there
won’t be areas of dispute. There are sometimes differences in
approaches to caring for elderly parents, disputes over the
division of an estate, friction amongst siblings and spouses,
and other areas that can put strain on these relationships. With
a mix of one-on-one private meetings and family meetings, we
will identify areas of concern, work to see different
perspectives, lay the groundwork for productive conversations,
and collaborate on new ways of moving forward.
Mediating Family Businesses and Creating “Prenups” for
Family Businesses:
Family businesses can be tricky, especially when it comes to the
issue of succession. Mediation can help untangle family
dynamics, as well as anticipate and resolve the complex issues
that sometimes result in family business disputes.
Mediation can be a resource to navigate a prenup for a new
family business. What issues might arise in the future that can
be anticipated and resolved before it comes personal,
intractable, and damaging? Our work together will focus on
creating clarity, generating respect, and greater collaboration.
Mediation Between Separating Spouses: Divorce can be brutal.
Mediation offers the possibility of saving time and money. When children
are involved, divorced spouses will continue to interact with each other
for the rest of their lives. Mediation can preserve this relationship
and spare the family prolonged conflict.
Mediating Among Parents and Teenagers: Mediation can
support teens and their parents to help improve boundary
setting, communication, and mutual respect. This high-conflict
period can be draining, and building a toolbox filled with
coping strategies and collaboratively constructed agreements can
help support families.
Mediating Disputes Between Friends: Where can longtime
friends turn when a friendship hits a rough patch? Sometimes
disputes are caused by spouses or siblings, or differences in
values around money. Conflict may be centered on a specific
incident, or may have been simmering for years. Mediation offers
a space to have difficult conversations, appreciate different
perspectives, and find ways to move forward constructively.
Mediating Elder Care and End of Life Decisions: These
conversations are undoubtedly difficult, but at the same time
critical. Adult siblings often need to find ways to work with
aging parents, some of whom might have diminished capacities, or
a desire to ignore the inevitable. Mediation offers a valuable
resource for efficient, productive conversations as well as a
way of supporting each other through these challenging times.
Mediating Ongoing Financial Support of Adult High-Needs
Children: Whether a child has special needs or hasn’t left “the nest” at
the appropriate time, this situation can cause an inordinate
amount of stress and conflict for siblings and parents.
Mediation can support and constructively help families during
these difficult situations.
Conflict Coaching: This is a one-on-one process to help
an individual develop and refine listening, empathizing, and
problem solving skills. Transparency is often a critical part of
mediation, and in a one-on-one setting, clients can learn to
appreciate its value. If someone feels stuck in a conflict,
sometimes individual coaching can lead to growth and change.