Can Mediation Lead To Reconciliation?

In most cases the process of divorce starts with one half of the couple wanting a divorce to happen and the other half wanting to save the marriage. Many of these couples are not familiar with the mediation process or even what it means.  That can lead to a reluctance on either side to not want to participate. 

Just what is mediation? One dictionary definition is; an intervention in a dispute in order to resolve it. Some folks think ... arbitration. But how does that apply to a failing or failed marriage? One of the first questions asked of clients is “Has there been a decision to divorce?”  They are asked because couples seek help at various stages of a marriage crisis. Sometimes both people are quite sure they are ready for divorce. Most often, only one half of the couple is.

And sometimes, neither party is sure they want a divorce, but they do know their marriage is in crisis. In that case, I will ask them if they have any interest in trying to repair their marriage if it were possible. Sometimes people say “yes!”

How can mediation help in those instances when couples want help restoring their marriage? What is the difference between mediation and reconciliation in that case?

While both marriage counseling and mediation often help the couple open new lines of communication and improve exchanges, there are some distinct disparities. Marriage counselers generally employ different techniques to explore personality and relationship dysfunction and to establish new models of behavior to revive the rapport.

In contrast, mediators help couples resolve disputes and solve specific problems. They are forward-focused and do not tend to analyze past behaviors. A mediated conversation can guide couples to find shared values and devise helpful guidelines to make their family life run more smoothly. Or how to uncouple the relationship in ways that work for both halves.

We know that we are helpful to every divorcing couple we work with. However, it was a wonderful surprise when couples decided at the end of mediations to try to reconcile their differences and put their marriage back together.

At WHYmediate?, Find out why mediation will allow you to resolve many different types of conflicts in a positive learning environment that covers how to deal with all the upcoming days in your life.

WHYmediate? Mediation Services
4500 South Lakeshore Drive Suite 300 
Tempe, AZ 85282 
(480) 777-5500
http://whymediate.solutions