Choose your outcome rather than having one imposed on you in court.

Conflict is an inevitable part of life. Reasonable people can disagree on what is best in any given situation. It is how we deal with conflict that determines how much (or how little) it will impact our lives. Often we require a neutral third party to help us find the solution.

At Calgary Mediation Services, we provide a safe environment for people to work through their conflicts, and to better understand each other so as to be able to deal positively with any future conflicts.

Our goal is to provide parties an opportunity to:

• define and clarify issues

• identify interests

• explore possible solutions

• understand the other person’s perspective

• achieve a solution all parties are invested in, which is therefore much more likely to last

• empower themselves to manage future conflicts

• participate in an interest-based process rather than a positional one

Mediation is just one of the methods by which we can achieve resolution of a conflict. Too often solutions are sought “at any cost”, but in fact a good solution, a solution that will stand the test of time, is one which is fair and which feels fair to all of the parties.

We cannot avoid conflict, but we can choose not to turn every skirmish into a war. Conflict is part of life, and nothing to be ashamed of, but we must try to find positive ways to deal with those conflicts. Mediation is not the answer for everyone. However, it can be the difference between choosing the outcome, or having one imposed on you by a complete stranger in court. Mediation can help to find an amicable outcome where neither party is left feeling bitter or hostile toward the other party. This can be especially important in mediating family disputes where children are involved.