Tuesday, August 25, 2009

Marital Mediation

"Marital mediation" is a term coined by mediator John Fiske to describe using mediation for renegotiating a relationship.

Marital mediation is different from marital therapy in that there is no exploration of pathologies - it is all about working together to define a problem and negotiating a solution. Sometimes, it is as simple as taking a look at communication blockers.

The term marital, by the way, is short-hand for long-term intimate relationships of a covenant nature. At DSC we would in no way want to exclude couples who have not legally married or who cannot legally marry.

In a long-term relationships there may be seemingly intractable issues about money or division of duties that get in the way of closeness. With the help of a skilled mediator, these can be put on the table, discussed and different behaviors negotiated.

The right to divorce is important, and divorce is appropriate in many cases. But, negotiating how to love the one you are with can be a great option.