What are the most common fears people have about attending family mediation?
People often worry about several issues if they are thinking of coming to family mediation.
Common concerns include:
- Power Imbalance: Concerns that one party might dominate the process, especially if they have greater financial knowledge or influence in the relationship.
- Anxiety and Nervousness: Many people feel nervous about facing their ex-partner and emotional stress is common. Shuttle or online mediation can help address this.
- Fear of Making Wrong Decisions: People may worry about making decisions that impact their future or their children's well-being. Mediators help by summarising discussions and allowing time for professional advice before finalising decisions.
- Being Taken Advantage Of: Worries that the other party might manipulate the process to gain an unfair advantage.
- Fear of Failure: Anxiety about mediation not working and wasting time or money, leaving unresolved issues to potentially be handled in court.
- Emotional Reactions: People fear emotional outbursts or conflict during sessions. Mediators are trained to manage such situations constructively.
- Uncertainty About the Process: Fear of the unknown, including what will happen during sessions, is common. Understanding the mediation process and preparing in advance can alleviate this.
- Acknowledging the End of the Relationship: Emotional fears tied to accepting the relationship’s end, including worries about being alone or financially insecure.
Preparation, open-mindedness, and understanding that mediation is voluntary, and collaborative can help reduce these worries. These fears can often be mitigated through preparation, support from professionals, and understanding how mediation works.
Any fears can be discussed with your mediator in your initial MIAM (Mediation Information and Assessment Meeting). These are individual, private and confidential meetings that each person must have with the mediator they are going to work with moving forward. The mediator will be able to talk through any of the above issues with you and help you find a way to manage any concerns.
If you would like to talk with us about any concerns you have about mediation, call our free number 0800 206 2258 or email us at hello@familymandm.co.uk.
