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Marital Mediation, Another Option
You're unhappy in your marriage. After a new version of the same argument you and your spouse have had many times before, you look online for yet another marriage counselor. But you have participated unsuccessfully in counseling for years with numerous marriage counselors. Or perhaps your spouse refuses counseling. "There is nothing mentally wrong with either of us" they say. And they are right.
In despair, you pick up the telephone to call the divorce lawyer your friend retained for her divorce. But then you recall that your friend and her spouse did not speak to each other at their daughter's recent wedding. You don't want this for your family.
You are tired, confused and worried. Marital mediation may be right for you.
Marital mediation is a method of dispute resolution focused on allowing a couple to preserve their marriage. Using proven mediation techniques, the mediator helps the couple create concrete and practical solutions enabling them to move forward with their married lives. Spouses often commit to these solutions in a writing drafted by the mediator.
Marital mediation is forward focused problem solving. Couples may successfully address conflict resulting from spending and budgeting habits, changing spousal roles, priority differences or disparity in their incomes. Success depends largely upon the couple's commitment and the mediator's skills. Mediators with legal background and expertise, especially divorce and family lawyers, are often particularly effective marital mediators.
Marital mediation is not marriage counseling or therapy, which should be conducted only by a mental health professional. The mediator does not delve deeply into the past or the interpersonal, psychological issues of the couple or the individual spouses. On the other hand, spousal conflict concerning security and risk taking, children, blended and extended families, allocation of household responsibilities and time utilization are appropriate issues to mediate.
The ability of couples to communicate effectively after the marital mediation is complete often improves by using the techniques learned and practiced in the mediation process.
Ending your marriage or accepting a future of unhappiness are not your only choices. Consider whether marital mediation may help you save and improve your marriage.
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