Mediation is a process wherein a neutral third party, a mediator, assists two or more parties in finding a mutually satisfactory agreement to a conflict. The mediator creates a forum for the participants to explore their issues, have sincere discussions, share feelings, and find common ground and resolution.

Mediation is a voluntary process. It is crucial that all participants take part of their own choice with a desire to actively find resolution. The mediator creates a safe space for exploration and leads the process, but the participants must be committed to seeking resolution. Mediators do not make decisions for the participants, and agreements made by the participants are only as binding as the participants themselves accept.

The first step in all mediations are one on one sessions with the mediator and each participant (called pre-mediation), which are usually less than one hour per participant. This step is important as it allows the mediator to understand the needs and motivations of everyone involved, to inform the participants of the mediation process, and it builds the groundwork for an effective mediation.

Many mediations can be successfully resolved in a single day, though others may take multiple days, depending on the complexity of the conflict and the willingness of the participants to engage in the process. At the conclusion of the mediation, we will issue a Memorandum of Understanding which is a non-binding statement of intent signifying the participants’ mutually agreed upon resolutions.

For participants whose conflict may result in litigation or arbitration, mediation often provides a faster, cheaper and more empowered method of resolution. In both litigation and arbitration, the participants take positions, often argued via lawyers, and the final decision is made by a third party (a judge or arbitrator). In mediation, the participants work collaboratively to find a mutually agreeable solution, and the final decision is solely in the hands of the participants.

Our mediation process varies from client to client as we strive to facilitate an organic process that allows the participant and the issues at hand to dictate the direction and speed of resolution.

In general, mediations typically follow this process:
1. Free initial intake call.
2. Review our services and sign our Agreement to Mediate.
3. Pre-mediations. A short one-on-one discussion with each participant of the mediation to discuss the issues. Typically one hour per participant. Usually done by phone or video call.
4. Mediation. In person or by video at a location agreed upon by all participants.
Mediations loosely follow this process:
- Opening statement of intent from each participant.
- Agreement by the participants on the issues to be resolved.
- Exploration of the issues to share hopes and feelings, find common ground and reconnect on a human level.
- Creation of potential solutions.
- Discussion of potential solutions and collaboration to pick the solution(s) that is most agreeable to all participants.
- Creation of the Memorandum of Understanding.

Mediation is an excellent choice for any conflict where all participants want to find an amicable, mutually agreeable solution, but are struggling to do so on their own. Hiring us provides three key things that can assist you in resolving your issue.

1. We are experts in creating a safe, productive container for you to explore issues and find resolution. The mediation process is designed to get past fixed positions and discover the common ground that will allow you to resolve your issues.

2. We will keep you focused. In conflict, it’s easy to lose sight of your objective. We will keep you on track as you explore the issues at hand.

3. Sometimes simply having a respected third party at the table can change the dynamics of a conversation. Relationships are complex and it’s easy to revert to patterned behavior in isolation. We will be the mirror that reflects each participant and allows an honest and kind movement towards resolution.

We mediate all issues, notably family (separation and divorce), workplace and business. See the Services dropdown menu in the header for detailed information.

Most mediations can be completed in one day, plus up to one hour per participant for pre-mediation, though this is dependent on the number of participants involved, the number and complexity of the issues to resolve, and the willingness of all participants to come to the table with an honest desire to resolve the conflict.

Our mediations have a very high success rate, depending on the willingness of the participants to openly and honestly participate. Our goal is to ensure that you reach a resolution that will endure, to the satisfaction of all participants, and in the process to help you build skills to better avoid and resolve future conflicts.

Mediations that are complete within one day typically cost between $1000 to $3000, including pre-mediation calls and drafting a Memorandum of Understanding. Please see our Rates page for more details.

Mediation is a voluntary process, so it is important that all participants are willing to take part in order for a mediation to be successful. For participants who appear unwilling, we are often able during pre-mediation to provide clarity and confidence to allow those individuals to attend openly and honestly.

If it is clear that one or more participants is unwilling to be part of the process, we can either work with them on a one-on-one basis to attempt to illuminate the benefits of attending, or they may be removed from the mediation, or the mediation may be cancelled.

If the other person is unwilling or unable to participate in mediation, we offer coaching for the willing party to build strategies to move forward without mediation.

We have extensive training and experience in engaging with aggressive or dominant parties, and in high conflict matters. In many relationships, it is common for one person to be more domineering. Our job is creating a safe and equitable container to ensure all participants have equal opportunity to hear and be heard. We also have expertise in assessing the suitability of mediation and if there is a high risk for violence, we can offer shuttle mediation (mediation where the parties do not engage directly, but engage with the mediator only).

We deeply love this work. Our team chose this work because it aligns with our individual goals to serve our community in a way that fosters a more peaceful way of relating. Not everyone feels at ease in the midst of conflict - we feel this is our skillset. We have learned firsthand that resolving conflicts better can deeply improve one’s quality of life, relationships, and wellbeing. Our team has all the education and experience you’d look for in a professional mediator or coach, and beyond that this is our life’s work and passion.

Many mediators work primarily as lawyers, secondarily as mediators. This often poses two problems.

First, lawyers typically charge excessively high rates and transfer this rate to their mediations. We work as mediators only, charging a notably lower rate.

Second, the practice of lawyering is positional and combative. Lawyers represent one party in a dispute and their goal is to gain as much as possible for their client. This is inherently contrary to the practice of mediation, wherein the objective is for the parties to work together to find mutual resolution.

Our team brings decades of experience to every client. We have extensive training in mediation, negotiation and conflict coaching, as well as associated fields such as grief counselling and doula work. We have a highly attuned ability to stay present during uncomfortable conversations and to support our clients to learn to do the same. Assisting you to resolve conflict and learn better skills for responding to conflict in the future is our passion and our skillset.

Please refer to our About Us page in the header for more information.

We are based in Nanaimo and offer in person service on Vancouver Island, the Lower Mainland and throughout the Gulf Islands. We also work via video, anywhere in the world.