Mediation
I am also a mediator as recognized by the King County, Seattle, Wa Dispute Resolution Center.
Mediation is a form of alternative dispute resolution. It is a structured, interactive process where an impartial third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques π All participants in mediation are encouraged to actively participate in the process π Mediation is a "party-centered" process in that it is focused primarily upon the needs, rights, and interests of the parties πMediators use a wide variety of techniques to guide the process in a constructive direction and to help the parties find their optimal solution π A mediator is facilitative in that she/he manages the interaction between parties and facilitates open communication π Mediation is also evaluative in that the mediator analyzes issues and relevant norms ("reality-testing"), while refraining from providing prescriptive advice to the parties (e.g., "You should do... .") π I set parties up to succeed for the purposes of meaningful dispute resolution π