Mental health professionals like the concept of settling conflicts in a less adversarial manner, but they are concerned for their clients well being and often confuse mediation with counseling. And, mediators run the risk of overselling themselves and the process and sometimes are not clear about their role as a mediator as opposed to a counselor, lawyer, or other expert. The mediator has only the authority the parties allow him or her. The mediator effectively negotiates his or her authority with each of the parties and in turns helps them negotiate between themselves. More formally, the mediator facilitates the informed and consensual management of the issues or conflicts that are presented.
Mediation is safe.
Many people are concerned that they will not be able to negotiate effectively with the other party and they will lose. This is so especially if one party appears to be an experienced negotiator and the other party questions their ability to negotiate. The mediator is not disengaged, or hanging back and above the fray, but actively involved to assure that neither party is being taken advantage of. No tentative understanding can effectively become an informed agreement unless access to professional consultation is free, unfettered and encouraged. Any mediator who in any way discourages professional consultation by a party in the course of mediation should be viewed with suspicion.