Relationship Mediation

 Mediation is used in cases where partners, spouses, or businesses are splitting up. Mediation Services of Adams County Inc (MSAC) knows how effective mediation is in these cases. We also can see how mediation can be effective for people who want to stay together. Even if you have a good relationship with your partner, conversations about your children, money, extended families, or special needs can result in arguments. In some cases, communication can break down completely leaving you unable to come to a resolution. In all these cases mediation can help.

Our goal, as with all our services, is to resolve conflict. However, rather than the conflict ending in separation or divorce, the ending result of Relationship Mediation is often better understanding of issues and each other, better focus, opened lines of communication, fewer conflicts in the future and a renewed relationship that is better able to survive conflict.

 We want to be clear; Relationship Mediation is not therapy or marriage counseling. Relationship Mediation is a short-term approach that focuses on current issues, not what has happened in the past or psychological dynamics of personalities. Through mediation, couples develop communication, problem solving and cooperation skills with a practical, future driven perspective.

That being said, sometimes a third party with effective listening skills can make all the difference to a couple that wants to stay together but who keep having that same fight and are unable to figure out what feeds the conflict. Some will find mediation therapeutic because the process can be very healing. It is not however, to be confused with therapy or used in place of therapy when it is warranted.

A session of Relationship Mediation may include some guiding questions such as:

“What about your relationship makes you feel hopeful?”

“What would you like to be different in your relationship?”

We would include both parties in every question and give each ample time to talk. We may ask, “Give us an example of the reoccurring fight that you can’t seem to stop having.”

The mediators would listen, reflect, and reframe what you are saying to bring better understanding of what drives these conflicts. We may focus on issues that you tell us or on ones we pick up on through hearing you both share your conflict experiences. We will always help you find solutions to the problems, not blame or fault. We can come up with written agreements if that is helpful, but it is not necessary.

We would consider a Relationship Mediation successful if both parties left feeling renewed hope in their relationship. If they felt better equipped to deal with conflict when it arises. Also, if they gain insight into themselves and each other that will help with future conflict.

Email or call us for more information. mediationac@yahoo.com 717-334-7312