Facilitative Mediation from Providence Mediation

Our mediation philosophy closely follows the model of facilitative mediation - focused on drawing out common grounds between the parties and satisfying the interests of the mediation participants. Our mediator is experienced in helping disputing parties understand and convey the "whys" underlying their concerns and wants. Our mediator also works to make sure that the people in mediation hear each other's concerns, and validate common desires and values when identified. This allows the mediation participants to develop new tools for communication and decision making that can last beyond the mediation, in addition to resolving the current conflict.

Facilitative mediation is different than the type of mediation practiced by the majority of divorce mediators in central Indiana. Many mediators practice "shuttle negotiation" where settlement offers are carried back and forth by the mediator between the separated parties. Providence Mediation believes that in family-centered negotiations, such as divorces, the people involved should be face to face as much as possible during the process, so that understanding (and even trust) may arise with the resulting agreement, instead of only a begrudging acceptance of the result. Facilitative mediation is not marriage counseling, seeking to heal the relationship, but it does aim to provide the footwork of establishing new tools for joint decision making that is required for co-parenting following an ended relationships. This works even for couples who argue.