Couples Mediation is mediation between individuals who wish to improve or maintain their intimate relationship with each other. It does not assume marital status or sexual orientation, only that people consider themselves a couple and may include those in a polygamous relationship
Aspect | Couples Mediation | Couples Therapy |
Focus | Resolving conflicts toward a mutually satisfactory agreements. | Emotional healing & relational growth EFT Bites – RISSSSC |
Goal | Create understanding through improved dialogue | Improved emotional communication & management of dysregulated behavior (reactivity) |
Process | Short-term, structured | Long-term, flexible |
Emotions | Recognized, acknowledged, and used to understand conflict. | Explored deeply, and emotions identified and expressed = behavioral change |
Conflict Handling | Focused on reaching a mutually satisfactory agreement using conflict management tools. | Focused on understanding the couples conflict cycle, identifying triggers, secondary and primary emotions, and defensive strategies to manage reactivity. |
Legal Role | May produce enforceable agreements | No legal involvement |
Confidentiality | Confidential but may be used in legal cases? | Protected under strict confidentiality laws |
Power Imbalances | Facilitates equal power | Helps address and shift power imbalances |
Training & Credentials | Conflict resolution & legal frameworks | Psychology & emotional health |