There is an assumption that the main work we do as family mediators is to work with couples who are finding it difficult to communicate at all or in dispute about the way forward when emotions are high, soon after the breakdown of a relationship. This is generally the case but we also work with couples who are already communicating but may just need help with those discussions, or it may be that things were going well initially but something has changed, affecting the dynamic of your family relationship and you need some help getting back on track. You may just need a session to talk through anything that has arisen or you may feel that although your children were ok with arrangements as they were, their needs have changed or your work/ family circumstances are different and you need to consider afresh what might work. It may be years since you have actually had a conversation direct with your ex partner and it may feel uncomfortable initiating that. These are all circumstances where I can help
to get you back on the right path. My approach is completely bespoke so I will take the time to meet with you both individually to explore what is happening for each of you, the areas where you might like to make some changes, how you might find a way of communicating, your unique personalities and how you can get the best out of mediation.
If, after that meeting, I think it is suitable to mediate, I feel I can help and you both wish to give mediation a try, I will offer you a joint mediation meeting. It may be that one mediation meeting is all you need. Most often, a second mediation session would be scheduled so that you can review any changes and have time to reflect in between sessions. There is however no norm and no commitment to sign up for a certain number of sessions. We will plan what will work best for you both and your circumstances.
