I call my practice Family Tree Mediation because, to me, the metaphor of the Family Tree expresses many values and beliefs that I think make mediation an extremely valuable tool for getting the most out of our lives:

Organic Self-Development

First, the Family Tree image reflects the positive growth of each of our lives through all of life’s changing seasons. As we grow older, the strength, peace and grace we embody are a reflection of our authenticity, integrity, and self-awareness. Mediation is a process that provides the opportunity for navigating deeply painful conflicts with all of these desirable qualities so that you feel yourself growing stronger, more peaceful and more graceful no matter what challenges you face.

Inseparable Aspects of Who We Are

Second, the Family Tree diagram of relationships calls attention to the fact that the people connected to us through close family bonds remain powerful presences in our lives no matter how these relationships may change or where our paths may lead. Therefore, we are wise to treat these relationships thoughtfully if we do not want to experience the unpredictable and stormy nature of untended conflict. Conflicts of interest and perspective are inevitable parts of life, but they do not have to be destructive experiences. When the mediation process is employed well, I believe these inevitable conflicts ultimately make the Family Tree even more fruitful.

Closest to the Heart

Third, the Family Tree expression refers to the relationships that are the closest to our heart: our loves, our children, our parents, our siblings, all those who have more experience than anyone else of the continuity of who we are from childhood to old age. Investing in our ability to hold ourselves positively amid the myriad variations of family relationships, no matter what strains and changes such relationships involve, is to me a doorway to health and happiness. As a mediator, I strive keep this doorway open for families so that they can honor each other’s autonomy, find empowerment to pursue their own deepest interests, and so find peace in their differences and appreciation for the good things shared together.

Cultivating a Strong Family Tree

Family Tree Mediation is available to mediate all kinds of disputes and difficult conversations that families may face. Here are a few of the services Family Tree Mediation Offers:

• Divorce Mediation (Mediated Pursuit of Marital Settlement Agreements)
• Couples Work (Mediated Difficult Conversations)
• Elder Mediation (Proactive Mediated Legacy, Care & Safety, and Relationship Discussions)
• Estate Mediation (Mediated Sibling and Other Beneficiary Disputes)
• Facilitated Family Meetings (Improving Family Communications on any Issue with Neutral Third Party)
• Transition to Independence (Navigating Family Investment In & Support for Young Adult’s Transition into Independence)
• Kids, Parents & Schools (Mediated Conflicts between Parents, Children and Schools)

If you are suffering an ongoing conflict within your family tree and want to promote the pursuit of a positive outcome that meets the needs, concerns and agendas of everyone involved, Family Tree Mediation welcomes your inquiry to evaluate whether our services might be right for you.