How mediation works

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Mediation is a voluntary, confidential discussion between two (or more) people who have a dispute managed by an independent mediator.  

The mediation process is facilitated  by an independent neutral mediator. The process is designed to help people in dispute to understand the issues, discuss their options for resolution and where possible reach agreement.


Unlike processes that investigate disputes to decide if someone has done something wrong, mediation helps people to air their issues, discuss their interests and resolve their differences.  Self-determination is central to the mediation process.  The mediator does not impose an outcome on the participants.   In mediation, the dispute can only be resolved if the participants agree.   

Mediation is also cheaper, quicker and more flexible than other legal options.

At the end of the process, even if an agreement is not reached, everyone involved will have a better understanding of each other’s perspectives and will be better able to manage the working relationship.

The mediator will 

• Facilitate the process of mediation, and
• Assist the participants to evaluate their options and reach an agreement

In general there are 5 steps

1. Free Consultation: We will discuss with you whether the particular conflict is suitable for mediation
2. Make an Agreement to mediate
3. Pre-Mediation session: We meet each person involved separately and confidentially to get to know them and determine if mediation is appropriate, explain the process, and to gain an understanding of the issues from their point of view.  This helps those involved and the mediator to prepare for mediation.
4. Mediation Session (2-3 hours): We bring those involved together for a facilitated discussion to share their concerns and understand the issues from the other person’s perspective, take part in a fair and equal discussion and negotiation, explore solutions.
5. Resolution: Those involved reach a resolution everyone can live with and will commit to.

At Diverse MediaXion, we use the pre-mediation session to gain an understanding of those involved - identifying and assessing individual characteristics and factors that may relate to the dispute, or be  barriers to communication or conflict resolution. 

We genuinely explore diversity and differences and use this information to tailor the mediation approach to be inclusive for all participants. We are committed to delivering a process that will work across differences in interests, values, world-views, cultures, religions, power and privilege.

Our mediators will set ground rules and manage a fair and respectful process that is future-focused. A standard session is 2-3 hours.

The mediator facilitates the mediation process by:

1. Creating a safe, equal and inclusive environment for the discussion
2. Explaining the process and the ground rules.
3. Facilitating effective communication between the participants to get information about the dispute and identify their underlying interests
4. Maintaining control over the process and guiding focused discussion
5. Managing the interaction between those involved
6. Assisting those involved to generate options to resolve the issues
7. Motivating those involved to reach a mutually acceptable agreement
8. Assisting those involved to write up their agreement (if appropriate)

The standard mediation process provided by Diverse MediaXion is video mediation. 

This means that mediation can take place anywhere, and at a time that suits those involved. Those involved can also take part in the mediation process in their own environment with a computer, smart device or phone.  Many people choose video conferencing because they feel safe and comfortable in their own environment.

If you do not both have access to the internet, we can provide services by phone mediation.  

We also offer video shuttle mediation and mediator facilitated negotiation services, or face to face on-site mediation services if you prefer.  We also have a co-mediation model.  We will discuss what best meets the needs of those involved in the pre-mediation session.

If you are already involved in a dispute resolution process, we can act as an independent support person for you.