One on One Services

As a Family Mediator my role is to ensure that everyone in the room has a voice and is heard. As a Masters Trained Step Family Coach I have a specialized knowledge of the uniqueness and challenges of Step/Blended Families. We first of all create "Couple Strength" and then work as a strong UNITED FRONT to deal with the step/blended family issues.

Private Step Family Mediation

My role as a Family Mediator and Step Family Coach is to be a neutral third party who provides information to help the family members "brainstorm" ideas and solutions that help to create mutually satisfying agreements that fit their unique family structure.

Step Family Mediation is NOT Counseling

Step Family Mediation uses a collaborative mediation model along with an educational component to address issues that are very common for Step Families. The idea is to address each issue with a systematic couple/family approach to help build and support each family member.  

The Benefits of Step Family Mediation are:

• As a Couple, you begin to understand one another in your biological &/or Step Parent roles.
• You begin to communicate effectively in addressing the very challenging issues that always surface for Step/Blended families.
• You build your Strength as a Couple and move forward to then build your Strength as a Family. 
• Faster Process means Faster Solutions.
• Faster also means less expensive than traditional services such as Family Therapy or Counselling.**
• Mediated agreements tend to be honored since those involved were part of the process

** There are situations where mediation is not appropriate and Therapy or Counselling is recommended instead of or prior to mediation.

 How does Private Step Family Mediation Work?

It is a very simple process of;

1. Our first 30 minute consult meeting is a chance to get to know one another, ask questions and decide if mediation is the appropriate method to assist you.
2. Once the decision to move forward with mediation is made then I meet with each of you separately for about one hour.
3. We then have joint mediation sessions to address both of your concerns. Joint sessions are held for two hours each session.
   

Distance is Not a Problem

I travel throughout the Vancouver Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley but if you are outside of my travel area, telephone mediation is also an effective tool to use.  Telephone mediation uses the same process as mentioned  above.  It is important when we use this method that in the separate and joint sessions you have privacy and the ability to speak freely without any interruptions from other family members, coworkers, pets etc.