Family therapists often assume that individuals within a family will often display the symptoms of what needs to be addressed in family counselling. There is often no need of this type of evaluation in mediation. Using these problem solving skills, fathers and mothers work towards a shared parenting plan in which they both play an active role in creating. Studies show, a combined model of mediation plus counselling proved to be the most effective form of mediation. Simply put, this translates to mean that children do better psychologically when they have two parent involvement.
Further studies show that the first two years of separation is considered to be a critical factor.
Kruk then elaborates briefly in these areas. Of course, educational material is also provided on the therapeutic mediation process itself. With regards to advocacy, the children's and the parents' needs is actively promoted along with the albeit, idealistic views and perspectives of shared parenting concepts. With regards to follow-up, support is necessary at this stage as parents and children are making adjustments and transitions. These guidelines are only guidelines and adjustments should be made to consider individual cases but should be applied in the same manner as child support guidelines.