moderated discussions.
Sensitive discussions can be challenging to have on your own. Moderated discussions give you the opportunity to be heard, and for emotional and physical safety to be considered.
Looking for a mediation approach with a bit of a coaching touch? Moderated discussions might be just what you need. In this process, a mediator helps guide the conversation, ensuring that everyone has a chance to speak and truly be heard. It’s not just about finding solutions—it’s about creating a space where each person feels understood and respected.
By combining mediation with a bit of therapeutic support, this approach helps people navigate tough conversations with more empathy and openness, ultimately leading to healthier resolutions for everyone involved.
-
Simply, no one has the ability to be “neutral”, we are each an accumulation of our experiences and privilege. Therefore; Talia makes it clear that she is omnipartial which means that she is biased in favour of the success of everyone and the whole. She is seeking paths that allow for functionality, safety, support and next steps for each person in the mediation.
-
Trauma-informed practices are all about recognizing the widespread impact of trauma on people’s lives and ensuring that the way we interact with them is sensitive, respectful, and supportive of their healing. It's a mindset that’s built on understanding how trauma affects a person’s emotions, thoughts, behaviors, and even their ability to trust and connect with others.
At the core, trauma-informed practices aim to create a safe, welcoming environment where people feel empowered, heard, and respected.
-
Child-inclusive mediation is a process where children are given a safe, supported space to share their thoughts, feelings, and focuses during family mediation.
The goal is to ensure that the child’s voice is heard and considered in decisions that affect their lives, especially during tough family situations like separation or divorce.
Talia is specially trained to connect with children and young adults, giving them a chance to share their experiences, both past and present, and express what they’d like their family members or caregivers to keep in mind moving forward.
Child(ren) may also connect with one of Talia’s highly skilled child and youth counsellors. In these sessions, the child(ren) have the space to talk about what’s been going on in their lives and share any thoughts they might have about what they want for the future of the family.
If a child/youth is a mature minor or has counsel, they are welcomed to participate as a party in the mediation themselves. They will be in a separate room from any other family members or caregivers and may have a counsellor or counsel with them.
get started.
No waitlist. Easy scheduling. Appointment reminders. Sliding scale available.
what kind of discussions could be moderated?
Divorce Negotiations
In the process of a separation or divorce, family members may struggle with emotional discussions about custody, division of assets, or parenting plans. A family mediator can provide a neutral ground to help facilitate these conversations, ensuring that both parties express their needs and concerns in a constructive way.Custody Arrangements
When parents or co-parents are unable to agree on custody arrangements or visitation schedules for their children, a family mediator can assist in negotiating an arrangement that serves the best interests of the child while respecting the rights of both parents.Blended Family Dynamics
In situations where step-siblings or step-parents are involved, conflicts may arise related to family roles or responsibilities. A family mediator can help facilitate open discussions, allowing all parties to voice their perspectives and work towards creating a harmonious living environment.Financial Conflicts
Disagreements over financial responsibilities, such as parenting expenses or support payments, can lead to tension within families. A family mediator can help clarify expectations and facilitate agreements that take into account the financial realities and emotional needs of each party.Elder Care Decisions
When family members disagree on how to care for aging parents or relatives, the conversation can become contentious. A family mediator can assist in discussing differing viewpoints, preferences, and the emotional implications of care decisions, aiming for a solution that respects the needs and desires of the elder family member.Communication Barriers
Sometimes, longstanding issues may have created a poor communication environment between family members, making discussions about any subject difficult. A family mediator can help break down these barriers by encouraging respectful dialogue and ensuring each person's voice is heard.Family Member Disputes
Disagreements between siblings or extended family members can escalate quickly if left unresolved. A family mediator can help facilitate a discussion that focuses on mutual understanding and finding common ground, which may help to resolve the dispute more amicably.Celebrations and Traditions
Family traditions can sometimes become sources of conflict, especially when different branches of the family have varying expectations or preferences. A mediator can help families negotiate how to honour traditions while being inclusive of everyone’s feelings and perspectives.Coping with Grief
Following the loss of a family member, conversations about how to deal with grief or memorial choices can be difficult. A family mediator can help facilitate sensitive discussions, allowing family members to express their emotions and work towards healing as a unit.Revisiting Agreements
As life circumstances change, previous agreements regarding family matters may need to be revisited. A family mediator can help facilitate discussions around necessary adjustments, ensuring that all parties feel heard and comfortable with the changes proposed.Parenting Styles: Co-parents may want to address differing approaches to raising their children. A mediator can help them articulate their views and find common ground while keeping the focus on the well-being of the children.
Sensitive Personal Topics: If a family member wishes to discuss issues such as mental health challenges, addiction, or relationship struggles, they may feel more comfortable doing so with a moderator present. The moderator can provide a safe space for honest dialogue, ensuring that discussions remain respectful and constructive.
Cultural Differences: Family members from diverse backgrounds may need support when addressing cultural expectations, beliefs, or conflicts. A moderator can assist in bridging gaps in understanding, promoting empathy and respect for differing traditions or values.
Health Care Decisions: When making decisions regarding the care of an elderly parent or a family member facing serious illness, a moderator can help navigate the emotional landscape and ensure that each family member's concerns are considered in a collaborative manner.
Sibling Rivalry: For siblings who want to address longstanding conflicts or grievances, a moderator can facilitate an open dialogue that encourages resolution and fosters healthier relationships moving forward.
By involving a moderator in these discussions, families can aim for more productive and compassionate outcomes, ensuring that sensitive matters are handled with care.
get started.
steps to moderated discussions
Consultation (free)
If you’re considering working with Talia, you can reach out for a free consultation at any time. This isn’t a deep dive into your family’s situation—it’s just a chance to briefly share what you’re experiencing and what you’d like help with. It’s also a chance for you to see if Talia feels like the right fit for your family, and vice versa.
Intake Session
(1 hour per session, $199 per hour per family member)The intake session is an opportunity for each family member to have a one-on-one conversation with Talia, where she learns more about your family’s unique situation. You’ll have the chance to share anything that feels important to you, and rest assured, anything you discuss is kept confidential and won’t be shared with other family members.
Moderated Discussion Service Agreement
(one time $99 administrative fee per family member)Before mediation begins, each family member will sign an Agreement to Mediate. This sets the stage for the process and outlines what everyone can expect. Once this agreement is in place, everything discussed with Talia becomes part of the closed mediation process, ensuring a safe, confidential space for all involved.
Moderated Discussion
(up to 2 hours per day, $199 per hour total)Mediation is done in a shuttle format, meaning family members won’t be in the same room together. Instead, Talia moves between rooms to facilitate the conversation. This format helps everyone feel more comfortable and gives each person the space to speak freely. Mediation sessions are typically 2-4 hours long, and there will be short breaks every two hours to ensure everyone stays focused and refreshed.
What makes
trauma-informed mediation unique?
Core Principles: Trauma-informed discussion moderation is grounded in understanding the widespread impact of trauma and integrating this awareness into the moderation process. It prioritizes safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment within discussions.
Safety: Creating a safe environment is essential; moderators must ensure participants feel secure to express their feelings and experiences without fear of judgment or retribution.
Supportive Language: Moderators use language that is compassionate and validating, acknowledging participants' experiences and emotions without minimizing or dismissing them.
Awareness of Triggers: Understanding potential triggers is vital. Moderators are trained to identify and manage topics or comments that may elicit strong emotional reactions.
Confidentiality and Respect: Maintaining the confidentiality of participants and respecting their boundaries encourages open dialogue and fosters a sense of community.
Empowerment: Facilitating participants' sense of control over their narratives encourages empowerment. Moderators empower individuals to share only what they are comfortable with and encourage self-advocacy.
Diverse Perspectives: Acknowledging the diversity of experiences and trauma responses is important. Moderators should foster an inclusive space where varied perspectives are validated and respected.
Trauma-Sensitive Techniques: Incorporating techniques such as grounding exercises or mindfulness where such techniques feel appropriate and comfortable for family members help them manage emotional distress during discussions.
Feedback Mechanisms: Providing channels for participants to give feedback on their experiences can help moderators adjust their approach and support better discussions in the future.
get started.
No waitlist. Easy scheduling. Appointment reminders. Sliding scale available.