What is mediation?
Family mediation is a voluntary and confidential process aimed at assisting caregivers in resolving disputes, establishing shared values, and implementing collaborative caregiving practices. Any participating party may withdraw at any time.
The mediator does not provide legal, financial, or therapeutic advice. It is recommended that each party seek independent advice in these areas. Mediation is not a guarantee of resolution, and the mediator does not make decisions for the parties. The goal is to facilitate open communication and collaboration.
The Same Page approach may also offer caregiver coaching, which steps beyond the bounds of traditional mediation. The coach may at times provide resources or guidance to inform possible caregiving values or practices. Adoption of any recommended practices or resources is entirely at the discretion of caregivers.
During the initial consultation, we will decide together whether to use a traditional mediation process, or a hybrid mediation-coaching process, based on the needs of your family.
What can I expect during a session?
The structure of a session depends on the content you have chosen to cover. If you are looking to resolve just one specific conflict, the session would look like a traditional mediation where both parties have an opportunity to share their perspectives and needs, either all together or in an individual session with the mediator, and then we see if it is possible to make a shared agreement.
If you have opted for a more long-term series or caregiver coaching session, each session may look slightly different. Along with conversation, you may be asked to fill out a worksheet, brainstorm values or practices, talk directly with your co-caregiver, or even practice a regulation strategy or social-emotional skill in the moment.
What happens in between sessions?
The Same Page approach is only effective if you follow through at home! So- in between each session there will likely be an activity for you to try at home. This could include filling out a worksheet, having a specific conversation with your co-caregiver or child, trying a new caregiving practice, introducing new household expectations, or meeting with the Same Page coach for an individual session.
Do you provide therapy or counseling?
No. I am not a licensed therapist or counselor. Same Page services may include discussion of strategies related to adult or child regulation and the development of social and emotional skills. I recommend that the adults I work with see an individual and/or family therapist for ongoing mental health support.
Are sessions confidential?
All discussions and communications within mediation sessions are held in strict confidence. The mediator will not disclose any information without explicit consent from all involved parties. I am a mandated reporter, and exceptions to confidentiality include instances involving child or elder abuse, or harm to others.
After an individual session, it may sometimes be beneficial to bring back elements from the private conversation to the person’s co-caregiver. In this situation, the person would have autonomy over what was shared, and in what way, with their co-caregiver.
I receive professional supervision regarding cases from a local LICSW, Education Specialist, and Mediator. Both parties involved in a given supervision session agree to maintain the confidentiality of all information shared.
Do you provide support or resources for co-parenting after mediation sessions?
Yes! If you participate in one of the multi-week series, you will be actively involved in creating a co-caregiving plan with the other adults involved. I will provide additional resources. Our series will conclude with a plan on how to move forward, including how to have hard conversations in the future.
How do I schedule a mediation or coaching session?
Please fill out the form on the contact page to learn more.
What if one family member is hesitant or unwilling to participate in mediation or coaching?
The process is entirely voluntary, and all adults must be open to participation in order for the services to be effective. I would be happy to have a private conversation with a co-caregiver who is on the fence. In this conversation I would share about our services and answer any questions they might have. However, if they are not interested in participating, I will respect the boundary and encourage other caregivers to do the same.
If one caregiver opts not to participate, I would be open to discussing the possibility of providing services for the remaining interested caregiver(s). However, there may be some situations where it would not be appropriate or useful to continue without all parties.
Can family mediation help with blended family issues or co-parenting challenges with stepparents, grandparents, or other adults?
Yes! Let’s talk during the initial consult meeting to determine which adults will be included, and to what degree. Same Page Family is here to support any family structure in the way that works best for them.
Do you work with LGBTQ+ and polyamorous families?
Absolutely! I am committed to supporting fellow LGBTQ+ folks, and their unique family structures. Let’s talk during the initial consult meeting to determine the best approach to include all caregivers, given the setup of your specific family.
My co-parent and I are getting divorced. Can you help?
It depends on what you are looking for. I do not offer divorce or custody mediation, though I would be happy to refer you to a local colleague. I am open to working with families more directly if they are looking for guidance on co-parenting from different households, or supporting their children through the transition. Schedule a free 20 minute consultation to see if Same Page services are the right fit for where you are at in the separation process.
What type of payment do you accept?
All payments must be made on, or prior to, the date of service. For virtual sessions, I accept payments via venmo @samepagefamily. I accept venmo, cash, or check payments for in person sessions.
Are your services covered by insurance?
As the services are not therapeutic or medical, they are not eligible for insurance coverage.
Do you offer sliding-scale fees for low-income families?
I offer a limited number of sliding scale services and creative payment plans for families who need them, made possible by families who are able to pay the full fee. Please email me if you would like to learn more!
Same Page Family 