How mediation works
Nothing is booked until both questionnaires have been read.
The screening step is the part people ask about most. It exists so that nobody ends up in a room where they can't negotiate freely — and so that people who need a different kind of help get pointed there early.
01You complete the pre-screening questionnaire
About ten minutes, online, on your own. It asks plainly about violence, threats, sexual assault or coercive control, about whether you'd feel safe to negotiate freely, and about what you'd like to work through. Your answers are stored securely and read only by me.
02I read what's been shared
Every questionnaire is read personally. Reviewing responses is a normal part of our process — it isn't a test to pass. If something in your answers means a session wouldn't be safe or fair, I'll tell you directly and point to what can help instead.
03The other party completes their own questionnaire
Separately, and privately. Neither person sees the other's answers. Nothing either of you shares in screening is repeated to the other party without your agreement.
04Separate intake conversations
A short one-to-one conversation with each person to talk through what you want to cover, how you'd like the room set up, and any practical arrangements — separate arrival times, separate rooms, an online session, or a support person.
05Booking opens once both responses are reviewed
If general mediation services suit the situation, you'll be sent booking details for a time that works for both people, subject to availability. Fees are confirmed in writing first.
06The session
A structured conversation, with breaks, and with time apart in separate rooms whenever that's useful. I keep the structure and make sure both people are heard. I don't take sides and I don't decide the outcome.
07Afterwards
If you reach an agreement that works for you, it's written up plainly and you can both sign off on an agreement. Take it to your own lawyer first — it's a good idea to get independent legal advice before signing anything. If no agreement is reached, that's a legitimate outcome too, and you leave with a clearer picture of where things stand.
What screening can lead to
There are three ways a questionnaire can be routed. None of them is a verdict on you.
It suits general mediation services
Both responses are reviewed, intake conversations are arranged, and booking opens — subject to availability.
There's something to work through first
A different pathway, a different form of mediation, or a step to take before a session would be workable. We'll talk it through.
This isn't the right process for this situation
Some situations need a different service entirely. If that's the case, here's what can help instead — including specialist support and independent legal advice.