Mediation is a thoughtfully structured process that can be used to help people resolve their own conflicts and design their own solutions. Trained, impartial mediators bring people together in a neutral setting, guiding them step-by-step through an effective problem-solving process.

In practice, participating in a mediation session means sitting down with two trained mediators. Each participant gets a chance to describe the conflict, explain how it has affected them and discuss what they would like for the future.

The experience and skills of the mediators often help people to say what needs to be said in a way that can be heard, and to listen to each other. Agreements and resolutions are voluntary and never become final until both parties agree.

Mediation can be very effective in resolving conflicts between friends and neighbors, family members, employers and employees, landlords and tenants, and consumers and businesses.