I speak to lots of people each week contacting me to explore whether mediation may be suitable for them. I’m often asked about my charges, how long the process takes, what information is needed before any appointments and whether I am accredited and can sign off court forms. Interestingly I’m not often asked about feedback I receive from clients who have worked with me.
The most important page on my website is the page dedicated to what my clients have said after they have been through the mediation process with me. How they ‘feel’ about it when they reflect afterwards is so important. It says far more about my work than any bullet points about my professional qualifications and experience.
I recently met with my professional practice consultant and we spoke about my client feedback. We explored if there were any themes which came up in feedback. Clients say they appreciate my balanced approach, that I am kind, empathic and thoughtful, give clear explanations and create a succinct, carefully managed and productive process.
Most often though I’m described as ‘calm.’ I’d say that was pretty important as a mediator. My clients often feel completely lost, unable to think clearly and full of fear about what the future may hold. To be able to sit calmly with those emotions is such an important mediator tool but really this can’t be taught. It comes with experience, practising good self care and trust in the process.
The second most important page on my website is my reflections/ blogs page. These are my thoughts about life in the mediation seat, how I work and what clients have found helpful along the way. I dedicate time to write these blogs personally and haven’t yet succumb to AI! As a small business owner, I am the marketing manager, the accountant, social media content provider, the person who answers the phone and responds to your e-mails so these blogs also reflect my personality. That is also a really important aspect of choosing a mediator. You can be assured of my professional qualifications but you also need to feel comfortable that I am the right person to help you both. If I am not, I will help you find someone else more suited to you. Mediation is a bespoke, personal service and my whole ethos as a business is centred around that personalised service. I am the person who will speak to you when you first make contact and I will be here for you both throughout the process.
If you are reading this set of blogs to get a feel for what I am about as a mediator, you are in the right place and I warmly welcome you. If you would like to know what other clients have thought about working with me please take a look at my testimonials page. These will tell you far more than any ‘Linkedin’ profile will.
Clare
