Careful, trauma-informed mediation for sensitive interpersonal disputes

Not all conflicts can – or should – be resolved in a single day.

Where relationships matter, emotions run deep, or future decisions carry real weight, people often need time, preparation and psychological safety in order to engage well and make considered choices. My trauma-informed mediation approach is designed precisely for these situations.

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A different kind of mediation

Many mediation services offer a one-day, fixed-fee model, with limited preparation and a strong focus on reaching an agreement on the day.

By contrast, my work is intentionally slower, more relational and more carefully held. It is particularly suited to cases where:

• the relationship will continue (or needs a thoughtful ending)

• trust has been damaged and needs careful repair

• participants are emotionally exhausted, distressed or defensive

• neurodivergence, trauma, health issues are factors

• estrangement, alienation or power imbalance are factors

• there is a clear duty of psychological care to those involved

This approach is frequently ideal for the wide range of complex mediation types I practice: family disputes, workplace and organisational conflict, board-level tensions, healthcare and end-of-life decision-making, public sector disputes, hospice settings and community conflicts.

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Standard mediation fees

Our standard mediation process starts at £2,250

This reflects a carefully structured, two-party mediation process, designed to maximise safety, clarity and sustainability of outcomes.

The standard fee includes:

• Initial commissioning call (30–60 minutes)
  A confidential scoping conversation to understand the situation, assess suitability, identify access needs and agree a proportionate process.

• Four private pre-mediation meetings

  • 2 × 1-hour confidential meetings with each party, typically online

  • Space to be fully heard, ask questions and prepare at your own pace

  • Support to clarify requests, boundaries and possible offers

• Two joint mediation meetings – 2-9 weeks apart 

  • 2 × 3-hour facilitated joint sessions, typically in-person

  • Carefully paced, trauma-aware facilitation

  • Designed to allow for interim agreements to be tested before major decisions are made

• Bespoke process design

  • Tailored agendas for each joint meeting

  • Flexible structure (formal or informal, with or without opening statements)

  • Adjustments to support neurodivergence, trauma history, health conditions or communication needs

• Written outcomes

  • Clear action plans or memoranda of understanding after joint meetings

  • Shared only with the agreement of all parties

• Follow-up and evaluation

  • Agreed check-ins or written feedback

  • Space to reflect on how outcomes are landing over time

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Why a trauma-informed mediation process may cost more than a ‘one-day mediation’

Relational repair is not a transactional process and accelerated mediations can leave parties uncertain about the agreements they may have made. One-day mediations may even risk leaving parties in a worse place.

Our fee reflects:

• significant preparation and containment

• reduced pressure on the joint meeting itself

• time for processing, reflection and informed decision-making

• a strong emphasis on psychological safety and duty of care

• outcomes that are more likely to be durable and relationally sustainable

For sensitive disputes, this approach is often more effective — and ultimately more economical — than repeating short, unsuccessful interventions or escalating to formal processes.

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Additional time and flexibility

Every case is different. Where additional time is needed beyond the standard package:

• Additional mediation time – for additional meetings or parties – is charged at £225 per hour

• This is always discussed and agreed in advance. You will be invoiced separately.

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Travel and in-person meetings

Where in-person meetings are required, the following apply:

• Travel time: £75 per hour

• Mileage: £0.55 per mile

• Out-of-pocket expenses: train fares, accommodation or other necessary costs (charged at cost, by agreement)

Online and hybrid processes are also available and often work very well.

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The mediator to call when care really matters

Clients come to me when:

• the future of a relationship is genuinely important

• people need to feel safe before they can speak honestly

• the stakes are high – emotionally, professionally or ethically

• they want a mediator who will hold complexity with calm, clarity and compassion

If you are facing a sensitive dispute and want a process that prioritises care, dignity and thoughtful decision-making, I would be very happy to talk your case through before you book. Schedule your free no obligation, confidential enquiry meeting here.

Learn more about my trauma-informed mediation services: