How mediation works
No two cases are alike, but the process itself always takes place in a predictable, safe framework. This is how a mediation unfolds, from the first contact to the close.
In four steps
First contact
The process begins when the parties – together or just one of them – get in touch with me. If only one person contacts me, I often approach the other party myself, inform them about the procedure, and ask whether they are open to taking part. During this first contact we assess whether mediation is really the right solution for the situation at hand – not every conflict and not every life situation fits this framework. If I see that it does not, I will say so.
Preparation and start
If we decide on mediation, the procedure formally starts when the parties accept the mediator's engagement and make the necessary declaration. Many people come to me precisely because by then they can no longer talk to each other. Where possible, we sit down with everyone at the same time; if the relationship does not yet allow this, I first speak with each person separately, and only then do we set the schedule for the joint meetings.
The joint sessions
The parties describe the problem from their own point of view, and then, in a guided conversation, get to know each other's position more thoroughly. We list the topics to be discussed and go through them one by one. We also always set a goal that we want to reach during the mediation, so the conversation is not aimless arguing but follows a direction. I do not come up with the solution: the conflict belongs to the clients, they know the situation best, and with the help of the facilitated discussion they themselves work out the solution – from a new, shared perspective.
Closing: the mediation agreement
Reaching an agreement is never compulsory – nobody can be pressed into it; the aim is simply to create space to clarify the issues. If the parties do manage to agree, we record it in a written mediation agreement that sets out the details of how the dispute is settled. This is a private agreement between the parties, which they acknowledge as binding on themselves by signing it – yet it does not prevent them from turning to a court in the future. Even if it does come to that, mediation usually makes the relationship between the parties calmer.
mediation offered in both languages
length of one mediation session
typical duration of the whole process
either party can withdraw at any time