Mediation Services
"Empowering dialogue, fostering harmony"
SEPARATION MEDIATION | CONFLICT RESOLUTION
At Nova Psychology, we offer mediation services, a widely recognized and effective method for reaching separation agreements. These agreements cover crucial topics such as child support, visitation schedules, and asset division. Our structured approach begins with an initial virtual screening meeting to assess the suitability of mediation for each spouse. Key criteria include the ability of both parties to communicate effectively, either virtually or in person, and their willingness to collaborate towards a mutually beneficial agreement.
If mediation is deemed feasible, the next step involves a main mediation meeting lasting approximately 3-5 hours on average. Here, both parties come together to negotiate and finalize important details, resulting in a comprehensive written agreement. This agreement typically includes specifics on child support amounts, custody arrangements, visitation schedules, and the fair division of assets, such as the matrimonial home, vehicles, and household belongings.
We encourage both parties to seek legal consultation either before or after reaching an agreement, ensuring that all actions and decisions align with Canadian and applicable provincial laws, typically those of Alberta.
Trust Nova Psychology for professional, structured, and legally informed mediation services tailored to your needs.
How to BOOK:
Booking a mediation service at Nova Psychology is a simple and straightforward process. To schedule a mediation session, individuals can visit our website or contact our office directly. Our friendly staff will guide you through the booking process, assisting with selecting a convenient date and time for your session. We offer flexible scheduling options to accommodate your needs, whether it’s for a family dispute, workplace conflict, or community issue. Once your mediation session is booked, you’ll receive a confirmation along with any necessary information or preparation guidelines. At Nova Psychology, we prioritize your convenience and aim to make the booking process as seamless as possible, so you can focus on resolving conflicts and achieving positive outcomes.
Mediation is a collaborative and confidential process facilitated by a trained neutral mediator, aimed at resolving conflicts and reaching mutually acceptable agreements. At Nova Psychology, our mediation services provide a structured and supportive environment for individuals, families, and organizations to address disputes effectively and constructively. Through open communication, active listening, and guided negotiations, our experienced mediators help parties explore options, clarify interests, and find common ground. Mediation empowers participants to make informed decisions and work towards sustainable resolutions without the need for costly and time-consuming legal proceedings. Whether it’s addressing interpersonal conflicts, workplace disputes, or family matters, mediation promotes communication, understanding, and positive outcomes for all involved parties.
The mediation process at Nova Psychology is designed to be thorough, structured, and effective in reaching mutually beneficial agreements. Here’s an overview of what you can expect:
1. Initial Consultation (15 minutes over the phone): The process begins with a brief initial consultation over the phone. This allows us to understand your situation, answer any preliminary questions, and determine if mediation is the right approach for you.
2. Mediation Pre-Screening (Approximately 30 minutes with each party): If mediation is deemed suitable, both parties will participate in a pre-screening session. These individual meetings, lasting about 30 minutes each, provide an opportunity to assess the readiness and willingness of each party to engage in mediation. During this phase, we discuss expectations, goals, and the mediation process itself.
3. Mediation Meeting (3-5 hours): The main mediation meeting is the heart of the process, typically lasting between 3 to 5 hours. Led by our skilled mediator, this session involves facilitated discussions, negotiations, and problem-solving aimed at reaching agreements on key issues such as child support, visitation, and asset division.
4. Signing of Agreement (Approximately 30 minutes): Once agreements are reached, a final meeting of approximately 30 minutes is scheduled for the signing of the mediation agreement. This step formalizes the decisions made during the mediation process and ensures clarity and understanding for both parties.
Throughout the entire mediation process, our goal is to create a safe, neutral, and productive environment where both parties can communicate effectively, explore options, and work towards mutually acceptable solutions.
Mediation services are offered at a fixed rate, encompassing all stages of the mediation process from initiation to conclusion. We offer a competitive rate that is highly attractive within the market. Costs will be discussed upon the initial consultation.
The clinical expertise and skills utilized in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment by mental health therapists are invaluable in mediation. Here are several ways having a mental health therapist as a mediator can aid in efficiently and effectively resolving issues:
1. Ensuring All Voices Are Heard: It’s crucial that each party feels listened to during mediation. If any party feels disregarded, it can hinder the resolution process.
2. Facilitating Acceptance of Loss: Addressing and coming to terms with loss is a pivotal step toward finding a compromise in any dispute.
3. Displaying Patience: Mental health therapists, trained in narrative techniques and pacing, exhibit patience, which helps maintain a steady conversation pace and progress.
4. Innovative Problem-Solving: Mental health therapists bring a fresh perspective to mediation, unbound by rigid legal frameworks. This allows them to approach issues creatively and prevent mediation from stalling.
5. Recognizing Trauma’s Impact: Mental health therapists understand how trauma can impact an individual’s ability to communicate their story, fostering empathy and effective communication.
6. Sensitivity to Verbal and Non-Verbal Cues: Mental health therapists are skilled at picking up on nuances in tone, body language, and gestures, enabling them to make adjustments that enhance mediation and keep it on track.
Research indicates that mediation is typically very effective in resolving conflicts, boasting success rates that often fall between 60% and 80%. In Alberta specifically, the success rates are notably high, underscoring the efficacy of mediation as a conflict resolution method.
Dr. Carson Ryner, a seasoned mental health specialist, extends his expertise to offer Mediation services at Nova Psychology. His dual role as a mediator and mental health specialist brings a unique blend of compassion, understanding, and expertise to the mediation process. Clients benefit from Dr. Ryner’s ability to create a comfortable and supportive environment, where they can navigate conflicts with clarity and confidence. With a focus on fostering open communication and guiding clients towards mutually agreeable solutions, Dr. Ryner’s mediation services prioritize empathy, respect, and positive outcomes.
Dr. Ryner holds certificates in Conflict Resolution, Critical Incident Debriefing and Separation Mediation. He is registered with the Alberta Family Mediation Society and Family Mediation Canada.