Parent Teen Mediation
Navigating the teenage years can be challenging for both parents and teens. I can help parents/guardians and youth address conflicts and improve communication.
Parent-Teen Mediation aims to improve family relationships by addressing each family’s unique needs. It allows individual family members to express their needs and concerns. A parent-teen mediator creates a safe space and environment for these interests to be discussed and for understanding to be built.
I can help you
Provide a safe space
Create an environment where all parties feel heard.
Resolve specific conflicts
Solutions-focused discussion that develops mutual understanding of differing perspectives.
Build healthy communication
Understanding each other through better connections and address each family's unique needs.
Create a plan to move forward
Create an agreement between parent/guardians with their teenager or youth that will benefit both parties.
Set boundaries
Discuss topics and clear expectations in areas such as household roles and responsibilities, school expectations, technology guidelines, and expenses.
The Process
Intake
I offer a free 15-20 minute intake call to explain the process of mediation and to ensure that mediation is the right service to fit your needs at this time.
Pre-mediation Sessions
I will meet with each person individually for at least one hour to discuss individual concerns and identify main topics or points that each person wants to address.
Sessions
Usually mediation is done through a few sessions over a period of weeks or months. Depending on what you decide to discuss, the timeline can be determined together.
For parent-teen mediations, I recommend 60-90 minute sessions. For partners working through separation or wanting to discuss co-parenting issues, I recommend each session be a minimum of 2 hours. Depending on the urgency and relationship of the parties, sessions can be longer with reasonable breaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Parent-Teen Mediation?
Parent-Teen Mediation is a voluntary process where parents and teenagers work together with the help of a neutral mediator to resolve conflicts and improve communication.
Who can participate in Parent-Teen Mediation?
Typically, the parent(s) or guardian and the teenager are involved. Other family members or individuals with significant ties to the family can also participate if needed.
What issues can be addressed through mediation?
Mediation can address various issues, including communication problems, conflicts over rules and responsibilities, disagreements about school or social activities, and other areas where there is tension between parents and teens.
Is mediation mandatory?
No, mediation is voluntary. All parties must agree to participate before it can proceed.
Do teenagers have to participate in parent-teen mediation?
Yes, teenagers must participate. It is important for teenagers to engage in the process, and share their thoughts and views.
How long does mediation take?
The duration of mediation can vary, but sessions average an hour. The entire mediation process can last up to six months, with the possibility of follow-up sessions if needed depending on the issues.
What happens during mediation sessions?
Sessions usually start with introductions and an overview of mediation. The mediator will then meet privately with each family member to understand their perspectives. After that, joint sessions are held to discuss and resolve specific issues.
