As preparation for mediation. I offer the following questions, developed by Miki Kashtan, Senior Trainer with BayNVC:

1. What's really important to me about this situation?

2. What's my best guess about what's really important to the other person?

3. Knowing this, what's the truest thing that I want to say?

4. How can I say it with the most care and love for the other person?

When we meet, I facilitate first a look at the issues, needs and requests brought to the table and we prioritize them. Focusing on one issue at a time, participants brainstorm and negotiate solutions.

In the role of mediator, I keep track of the process and finish by writing up the agreements made as well as agreements not yet reached.

A session may last up to two hours and sometimes a second session is needed.