Frequently Asked Questions
What is Prosody?
In linguistics, prosody /prɒsədi/ is the pattern and rhythm of the way we speak; prosody is the underlying emotion of the speaker and the words that they choose to use when trying to communicate with other people .
When we are talking with others: it’s not just what you say, but how you say it that helps people to understand each other and work through their differences. Prosody Mediation & Conflict Resolution helps our clients navigate conflict situations, hear those nuances, and work collaboratively on problem solving.
What is Mediation?
Mediation is a private, voluntary process that helps two or more people resolve a conflict with the support of a neutral third party. Instead of going to court, you work through the issue in a calm, private setting where everyone has the chance to speak, be heard, and find a solution that works.
As your mediator, I don’t take sides or make decisions for you. I guide the conversation, help manage emotions, and support both parties in finding common ground. The goal isn’t to “win, ” the goal is to move forward with clarity and fairness.
Everything said in mediation is confidential. That means nothing shared here can be used in court. I don’t keep records, and I destroy any notes once the session ends. Mediation offers a safer, more respectful way to handle conflict and gives each side a better chance of reaching lasting resolution.
What does a mediator do?
As your mediator, I serve as a neutral guide. I’m not here to take sides, give legal advice, or decide the outcome for you. I help you explore options and work toward a solution that both sides can accept.
Mediation is not the practice of law, and I am not a lawyer. I also cannot be called to testify or share anything discussed in mediation. My role is to keep the conversation focused, respectful, and productive. You are welcome to ask for my perspective, but I will never tell you what to do. The decisions remain entirely in your capable hands.
What happens during mediation?
We start by setting a respectful tone and going over how the process works. Then, each person will have the chance to speak without interruption. Typically, the plaintiff speaks first, followed by the defendant. This is your opportunity to share your side of the story and be heard.
As you talk, I may ask questions to better understand what happened and when. These questions are not meant to challenge you, but to clarify the timeline and details so we can move forward with a clear picture. Once both sides have shared, we work together to explore possible solutions. The goal is to find a fair, workable resolution without needing to go to court.
What if I need to speak to you alone during the mediation?
If we need to speak privately, we can use something called a caucus. We will break into private meeting rooms to discuss information you might not be ready to share with the other party. Please let me know how much of the conversation you want to share with the other party. Caucausing can be used any time after opening statements are completed.
What happens at the end of a mediation?
If we’re able to reach an agreement, we will put it in writing as a stipulation or a Memorandum of Understanding.
This is a shared, binding document that outlines the terms you’ve both agreed to. Mediation gives you the chance to shape the outcome of your case, with more flexibility in timing and terms than a court decision allows.
Whether we reach an agreement or not, I want to thank you for showing up, speaking honestly, and trusting me to guide this process. Your time and effort matter.