Mediation

I am a qualified mediator with a professional background in social work, offering mediation services online and in person in the Berlin area in both English and German. 

Conflicts are a natural part of our everyday interpersonal relationships but when finding a resolution to a conflict feels out of reach the mediation that I offer provides a neutral, confidential space for all voices to be heard, for people to feel valued and understood, to communicate openly and constructively, to clarify misunderstandings and develop a better understanding of each other’s perspectives and work together toward fair, sustainable solutions to resolving their conflict.

What is Mediation? 

The German Mediationsgesetz (Mediation Act) defines mediation as a confidential and structured process where parties voluntarily and autonomously strive to reach an amicable resolution of their conflict with the assistance of one or more mediators. A mediator is an independent and impartial person without decision-making power who guides the parties through the process. 

The structure of mediation is best understood as a series of phases;

• Phase 1: Opening the Mediation: In the first meeting, all conflict parties come together and discuss the framework, the process, the essential principles and some of the rules of mediation. In this phase, all participants are given the opportunity to express their concerns and expectations. We create a holistic picture and shed light on all the interrelationships and causes.

• Phase 2: Mediation topics clarified. In this phase all parties are given the space to describe the situation as they perceive it and to identify the main topics that the ongoing mediation will address.

• Phase 3: Needs and Interests identified. Then we explore the needs, interests and positions that the parties have in relation to the mediation topic - this phase is essential for understanding the perspective of others.

• Phase 4: Options considered. Once we understand our needs and interests within a specific topic we can start to think about possible solutions to the topic which are then evaluated: Are they realistic? Are they coherent? And most importantly: Do they adequately consider the interests of all parties involved in the conflict? Are all parties also aware of the details and their consequences?

• Phase 5: Solution decided. After we have once again thoroughly examined the solution options that we consider to be good and right (or had them examined legally), we develop a so-called mediation agreement. We discuss how formally we design this in each individual case. Our options range from a verbal agreement to a legally binding contract to – depending on further design and notarisation – a contract that can be enforced in court.

The number, length and structure of mediation meetings, and rate at which we move through the different phases is relatively fluid, and is tailored specifically to the uniqueness of the situation at hand.

Principles of mediation: 

Mediation has several principles underpinning it, and making it unique from more formal forms of conflict resolution. 

• No predetermined outcome: Unlike a court decision where a judge decides the outcome, the decisions and agreements made in mediation are entirely chosen and agreed to by the parties of the mediation - this means that absolutely no conclusions can be reached unless it is in the interest of both parties and everyone is happy with the outcome. The flip side of this is that the mediation process could end without agreement, despite everyone's best efforts to find common ground and reach a mutual agreement. For myself as a mediator, the success of a mediation doesn’t come entirely from an agreement being reached, although that is obviously a primary aim of mediation, but rather comes through the mediation process being structured and followed as professionally as possible. 

• Confidentiality: Mediation is confidential, this means that we work together to build the trust needed to be able to share information with me, knowing that this is confidential, and that only the information we want to share with the other party is shared, this allows you the space to speak openly, explore your thoughts and to really understand yourself in relation to whatever situation is being mediated. 

• Neutral: I am there equally for all parties to the mediation, and am able to maintain a professional distance and neutrality both to the complexity of the topics that could be addressed, but also with regards to situations where people have very different understandings to situations and truths. Everyone is equal in the process, and every opinion and belief is equally valid. 

• Voluntary Participation: Mediation is a voluntary process, that means that we only speak about and work on topics that both parties are willing to explore, and the process can be stopped at any point by any party involved. 

• Legally Binding Agreement: Agreements reached in mediation can be drafted in ways as to make them legally binding, enforceable as contracts, and can serve as the basis for claims or enforcement actions if necessary.

• Child-Centered Focus: In family matters involving children, mediation prioritizes the best interests of the children. Parents work together to find solutions that support the children’s needs and well-being.

Starting working together:

To discuss the options and opportunities that mediation could offer you simply get in contact via email or text and we can arrange a confidential and non-binding telephone call or video chat

• Email: joel.white.mediation@gmail.com 

• Telephone: +491748164822

Costs of Mediation:

• For online mediation I charge €50 p/h (excl. VAT).

• For in person Mediation within the Berlin area I charge €60 p/h (excl. VAT).