Because the parties need to be able to express their discomfort in the conflict, first in front of the mediator, in a PRIVATE and CONFIDENTIAL way, and then in front of the other party, as long as the mediator considers it is convenient and the parties consent, and respecting RULES OF CONDUCT that demand RESPECT and RECIPROCITY.
Because it is the base of the dialogue, without which nothing else will flow. It is essential that we listen and we are heard, in our discomfort and in our needs, always with the help and support of the mediator. And only after we have gone through this phase, will we be prepared to decide if we want to move forward in the mediation process.
Because mediation only works if the parties become proactive and collaborate for the solution of their conflict, through a process in which the mediator will set the guidelines and how, when and where. It is a guided process in which we are never alone, but which does need our direct collaboration.
If any of these principles break, the process can not continue. In the first informative session, we will explain this principles calmly to the parties, jointly or separately according to the cases, so that there is no doubt about how we work and so that the expectations are clear before we begin.