As a mediator, I have had the experience of helping people address their concerns during difficult times when their families are in transition. I have repeatedly observed how people in the midst of emotional distress can lose perspective and hurt themselves by their inability to comprehend what is happening from various points of view. It is my professional goal to listen actively to understand what each party is saying and to offer each of them empathy and an opportunity to consider options that will realistically address their concerns. It is not unusual that in the midst of pain and confusion, parties may not be able to see alternatives that may be useful in solving what may seem to be insurmountable differences.
It is not a big revelation to notice that the widespread use of the internet has hugely changed the way all of us operate. With easy access to information through the world wide web, we can readily learn new things and become quite self-sufficient in managing our lives. As we evaluate how to allocate our resources – both time and funds – one of the things to be considered is whether or not we will engage in “do it yourself” or engage in hiring someone to assist us with important transactions. While many believe that they can manage a “do it yourself” agreement, the potential cost of overlooking elements of an agreement and potential misunderstandings through poor communications may impede the achievement of a mutually acceptable and durable agreement. This is especially consequential in relation to impacts on health, finances, or children. Combining research on the internet as a starting point to gather information and then engaging expert assistance may be the most useful approach to conflict resolution.