Mediation

Work Through Conflict Together

Mediation helps people resolve disputes privately and affordably—guided by neutral mediators who support productive conversation and lasting agreements.

People in a respectful, facilitated conversation

What Is Mediation?

Mediation can help people in a conflict work out their differences privately, respectfully, and affordably. The mediators serve as neutral third parties. They manage a structured process that encourages more effective communication, helps the parties clarify and understand their positions, and assists them in developing their own agreements.

Who Are the Mediators?

Our mediators are community members specially trained and supervised according to the Massachusetts Uniform Rules of Dispute Resolution. They have all completed the required mediation training and done a court-based mediation practicum. Our divorce mediators and elder family mediators have completed additional advanced trainings. All our mediators regularly participate in professional development opportunities offered by MetroWest Mediation Services.

Benefits

Mediation is flexible

Mediation can be used to discuss creative and individualized solutions. In a mediation session, any issue the parties bring to the table (i.e., individual needs, interpersonal issues, etc.) can be discussed.

Participants control the outcome

In the mediation process, the people involved in the situation are the ones who create an agreement that works for them. In arbitration or in court, an agreement is imposed by an arbitrator or judge.

Mediation is forward-looking

It focuses on what the issues are now, how they can be resolved, and what can be done to avoid similar problems in the future. In court or in arbitration, the focus is on the past—who is at fault for the current situation.

Mediation can preserve relationships

Mediation can help to build a framework for future interaction based upon mutual interests and needs rather than adversarial positions.

Mediation is confidential

The parties can speak openly and directly to each other and to the issues, without the proceedings being a matter of public record.

Testimonials

“I appreciated the chance to air grievances and then move beyond them to start working together.”

— Town Committee Member

“We should have done this at least 6 months earlier!”

— Board Member

“You’ve gotten another rave review. The weight of this situation has dissipated. I looked forward to our sessions together. You were so present and I felt deeply heard.”

— Educator

“[In response to a 3-month follow-up:] Things are great. We accepted and added to the norms and are meeting in person, with respectful dialogue. Your work was so helpful!”

— Board Member

“You were very receptive to my perspective and helped me to articulate that during mediations based on our previous conversations. Overall, I felt like I was in good hands with you as my mediator which helped to alleviate at least some of the stress around this situation. Thanks for all you did!”

— Educator

“Our mediators both were extremely effective, professional, and a joy to work with. [They were] exceptional mediators as compared to the very many mediators with whom I have dealt with in my 47 years of law litigation / mediation and arbitration practice.”

— Attorney for party

“Mediation was definitely the right decision for our particular needs. The mediators did a great job of listening and keeping both of the parties’ interests at the forefront of the discussions.”

— Divorce Mediation Client

“The mediators specialize in actually listening to both people involved in the mediation process. It was a great experience, considering the circumstances.”

— Divorce Mediation Client

“We are incredibly appreciative for the services we recently received from MetroWest Mediation Services, Inc. [The mediator’s] professionalism, knowledge and empathy helped us reach a resolution to a situation that was complicated. She was extremely easy to work with and communicated with us every step of the way. We highly recommend her to anyone seeking a constructive and positive resolution to a conflict.”

— Divorce Mediation Client

Types of Mediation

Family-Related

Court Connected

Organizations

Not sure which category fits your situation? We’re happy to point you in the right direction.

Ready to Talk?

We can answer questions, determine if mediation is appropriate, and schedule a session that works for everyone.