A type of psychotherapy, marriage counseling allows couples to discuss their relationship, and how they feel about it. Marriage counseling provides treatment for a spectrum of behavioral, mental, and emotional problems. Marriage counseling is most successful when a couple is still in love, wants to save their relationship, and is open to
therapy.
Mediation is not psychotherapy. It is not marriage counseling. Mediation during separation and divorce helps couples find and negotiate solutions to issues related to the unraveling of their relationship, for example: Parenting i.e., custody, visitation and support; Property i.e., the division of marital property (real estate, and personal), assets, pensions, and debt; Insurance i.e., health, life, and auto; Taxes i.e., filing, and refunds; and Spousal support i.e., alimony.
In my Maryland mediation practice I initially meet with both parties simultaneously. A neutral and impartial third party, I will not, prior to meeting the couple, speak to either party alone.
Couples who choose to mediate during separation or divorce are often able to reach an agreement after three to four mediation sessions. Each session is two hours in length. Couples are directed to visit and read
After reading Mdmediator.com as well as the articles published on this blog, couples who continue to have questions about mediation may schedule an introductory mediation session to meet me and ask questions. Prior to contacting my office, please speak to each other and make a list of three or four dates and times you are both available. With that information in hand, then contact my office and schedule a day or evening mediation session.
