Mediation is a process in which two or more people who have a conflict meet with one or more mediators to try to settle the legal and practical issues related to their conflict. Mediation encourages parties to take responsibility for their own problems and to be less dependent on the professionals. Mediation is a process in which parties retain more control over the settlement. It reduces the level of hostility and can often save time and money. The goal of mediation is an agreement, which the parties feel is fair, of all issues in dispute.
Mediation is neither counseling nor therapy.
However, going through the mediation process and having problems resolved are often therapeutic. Quite simply, it is a relief to get beyond the stress of the conflict. Mediators are required to keep all information shared with them in the mediation process confidential. Unlike civil and divorce court, where the media and public may attend court sessions, mediation sessions are closed to everyone except individuals the parties may decide to invite. The parties may make an agreement about whether or not to share with others the information revealed during mediation.