What I do

Mediation is a completely voluntary process whereby an independent person, known as a mediator, assists participants to identify and assess options and negotiate an agreement to resolve their dispute. Mediation is an alternative to a third party, such as a court or tribunal, imposing a decision on the participants. I believe there is absolute benefit in the participants making decisions for themselves before they seek resolution via a court.

My role is to always to remain neutral and I cannot provide legal advice to either party. The participants remain in control of the topics of discussion, as well as the details of any agreement. I am able to conduct 1 hour sessions, half day or make full day arrangements. We can discuss this and suggest what may be most appropriate at our intake sessions.

My practice is built on the premise that for meaningful decisions to be made there needs to be an understanding of the experiences and conflict for all participants. So against the backdrop of the dispute, I take the time to really understand the issues and why they are important to all participants. My aim is that with this type of approach, in a comfortable and calm setting, I am able to provide an environment to allow a shift from an adversarial or controversial stance to constructive conversation. I believe that this approach leads to an improved understanding for all participants which allows for more meaningful and sustainable outcomes.

Firstly, I invite participants to attend individual intake sessions. Discussions are private and confidential and is an opportunity for the mediator to provide participants with information about the mediation process and for participants to ask any questions that they may have.  If the participants decide to progress, we arrange times for second individual intake sessions. I believe that spending more time with the parties allows to really understand the issues and my clients before proceeding to the joint session. In our joint session, each person has the opportunity to raise the topics, issues and concerns that are important to them and an agreed agenda for the mediation is established. The topics are discussed by the participants, with the assistance of the mediator, to explore the participant’s needs, interests, issues and concerns.  Ideas and possible solutions are discussed until participants jointly decide how best to meet their interests. The participants stay in control of what matters are discussed, as well as the details of any agreement. I understand that emotions may be running high when entering mediation. However, we provide a safe and non-judgmental environment to ensure participants feel comfortable and able to focus on reaching an agreement on specific issues. We decide together if one session or two is preferable and my package is priced the same regardless to allow for flexibility and time so participants do not have to worry about watching the clock.

I firmly believe that participants are ultimately in control of any decision if they are truly committed to a structured mediation process. It is a real shame when I hear about people who were not equipped or unable to reach decisions about sensitive and important issues and a court has to make a decision for them.

I feel I offer a fresh approach to mediation by assisting in open discussion, asking questions, and offering different perspectives and expressing issues in alternative ways. Parties may also be encouraged to identify and test the consequences of potential solutions. Interest-based negotiation is about creativity and flexible solutions. In my sessions, I encourage focusing energy on cooperation rather than fighting, with an emphasis on disarming problems, not each other. I truly believe that my model assists in better outcomes because I fully explore contentious situations, whereby parties educate each other about their interests.  Some issues are very controversial, and arguments have the capacity to go on forever. However, there are no winners once matters hit the court. I am fully committed to help my clients make mentalised decisions and skip waiting times, expense and stress of court.

 Educated at UWA Mediation Clinic, I am an accredited NMAS and FDRP practitioner. I am able to issue a Section 60I certificate if an agreement cannot be reached and if I determine that the parties have made a genuine attempt at resolving their matter.