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Learn more about mediation
Mediation is a structured process in which a neutral, trained mediator helps two or more people who are in conflict to communicate more effectively and reach a mutually acceptable agreement. It is not therapy. The mediator does not take sides, give advice, or make decisions for the parties. Their role is to create the conditions in which the people involved can find their own resolution.
Mediation is used in personal, family, and professional contexts. It is often faster and less adversarial than legal proceedings, and it gives the people involved more control over the outcome.
In mediation, both parties meet with the mediator, either together or in separate sessions depending on the situation. The mediator listens to both perspectives, helps each party understand the other's position, and guides the conversation toward areas of potential agreement.
A mediation process typically involves:
- Initial separate meetings to understand each person's perspective and concerns
- Joint sessions where both parties communicate with the mediator's guidance
- Identifying areas of common ground and working through points of disagreement
- Reaching practical agreements, which may be documented as a memorandum of understanding
- The option of involving legal advisers to formalise any agreement reached
Mediation is most useful where there is a specific dispute to resolve and both parties are willing to engage in a structured process.
Divorce & break up
Divorce and separation are the most common contexts for mediation. Rather than resolving disagreements through lawyers and courts, mediation offers a structured conversation in which both parties can reach agreements around finances, property, and arrangements for children, with more control over the process and often at lower cost.
Relationships
Relationship conflict that has reached an impasse, where ongoing communication has broken down and practical decisions need to be made, can benefit from mediation as a way of creating a structured space for dialogue outside the emotional heat of everyday interaction.
Communication issues
When communication between two people has broken down to the point where direct conversation is not productive, a mediator can provide the structure and neutrality needed for both parties to be heard and for genuine exchange to become possible again.
Parenthood
Parenting disputes, particularly around arrangements following separation, are a primary application of family mediation. It helps parents reach agreements that centre the child's needs in a way that the adversarial legal process often cannot, and that preserves a functional co-parenting relationship where possible.
Choosing an approach isn't something you have to do alone. IC's matching can pair you with a therapist whose approach suits your situation. Get matched
It's Complicated is a therapist-founded mental health platform connecting clients with verified practitioners across Europe and globally, in over 60 languages. We work with over 2,500 vetted therapists, with in-person availability in Berlin, Amsterdam, Barcelona, Lisbon, Vienna, and other major cities, alongside online sessions worldwide. It's Complicated is free to use, and you pay your chosen therapist directly at rates they set.
Finding a mediator with the right experience for your specific situation, whether that is family, relational, or professional, is easier with targeted matching. Our matching service is built to remove that friction. You complete a short survey, our psychologists combine data-driven insights with human judgement to identify the right therapists for your situation, and you choose from a shortlist of strong candidates. You can also browse our directory directly if you'd prefer to choose yourself.
Get matched with a mediator, or browse all mediation practitioners in the directory.
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