Vancouver Island, British Columbia
WORKPLACE SERVICES
INVESTIGATION & MEDIATION
Conflict in the workplace is not only stressful, it's also costly in both time and money. Mediation offers a structured, neutral process that helps people talk through conflict safely and respectfully. Mediation can support colleagues, partners, and/or teams where communication has broken down. I don't make decisions for parties, as the people involved in the situation have the wisdom to find the best solutions. I am there to clear the path so that creative, lasting outcomes become available to you.
*Mediations can be conducted in-house, online, or a combination of both.*
COMMON WORKPLACE ISSUES INCLUDE:
- Tension or miscommunication between team members (or teams)
- Relationship breakdowns
- Personality clashes
- Boundary challenges
- Confidential pre-mediation meetings to ensure all parties are full prepared to talk and listen, and that mediation is appropriate for the circumstances. I address any concerns about the process, gain an understanding of the issues, and develop a process that will work for the individuals involved. Mediation is not a 'one-size-fits-all' approach, and flexibility is key to reaching an agreement that works.
- A guided, respectful conversation
- Tools for moving forward
- A clear plan or next steps
- Follow up with the team as needed
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ONE-ON-ONE COACHING
Sometimes mediation isn’t necessary, such as in situations where one key team member is struggling to effectively communicate with others. In these situations, progress can be made through one-on-one coaching. One-on-one coaching is personalized to the individual and situation, and is a more cost-effective approach.
Using an Emotional Intelligence-based coaching method, I am able to help individuals develop their ability to listen actively and speak assertively without damaging relationships. Participants are able to move forward with tools to assist them with emotional regulation, listening skills, and an understanding of the differences between avoidant, passive, assertive, and aggressive styles. They develop a clear knowledge of how their actions impact other team members and how to work with others productively, thus avoiding future conflict.
The goal is create a safe and comfortable space for learning, to maintain confidentiality, and to ensure participants leave feeling empowered and ready to work with others in a more productive way.
A minimum of four coaching sessions is recommended, with two weeks between sessions to allow participants to practice micro-skills. Monthly or quarterly follow-up appointments can help to prevent participants from slipping back into old habits.
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FAMILY & DIVORCE MEDIATION
Family dynamics can be complicated, which makes difficult decisions even harder. Whether it’s managing finances, how to best help aging parents, making decisions following the death of a loved one, or navigating other major life changes, mediation can help people get through to the other side with their relationships intact.
Often people believe there are only two ways of solving a problem: your way or my way, which means someone must lose. But this is rarely true. When communication opens up, and the underlying needs of each party are shared, creative ways to solve the problem become clear. Mediation offers the chance for everyone to walk away happy.
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DIVORCE & SEPARATION MEDIATION
Divorce is one of the most stressful events a person can experience, especially if there are children involved. Traditional legal proceedings can drag out the process, feel overwhelming, and can entrench both parties in a state of anger for a lengthy period of time.
The benefits of mediation for separated and divorcing couples have long been recognized across the Canadian legal system, and include the following:
- Saves time and offers more flexibility in scheduling.
- Less expensive (the parties share the fees of one professional, rather than each paying for their own.
- Offers more privacy than a court hearing.
- Less adversarial.
- Can be done online or in person, which in certain cases can feel safer and less emotionally charged.
- Can help improve the relationship as the parties adjust to the new role they play in each other’s lives.
WHAT ISSUES CAN BE RESOLVED THROUGH MEDIATION?
- Parenting plans, including custody, visitation, care schedules, decision-making
- Child support and/or spousal support
- Division of family property, debts, assets
- Guardianship or parenting order for children (if married or common-law) under BC provincial law.
- Communication agreements, or post-separation adjustments
- Custom family arrangements (e.g. pets, unique assets, shared business interests) — wherever both parties are open to negotiate.
WHEN IS MEDIATION NOT APPROPRIATE?
- If there is a history (or current situation) involving domestic violence, coercion, or a severe power imbalance that will prevent negotiation.
- If there is ongoing substance abuse, mental illness or a personality disorder that will prevent one or both parties from participating.
- If one party is unwilling to participate or be transparent about financial/parenting issues
- If the legal dispute is so complex it requires formal court orders or litigation (though some issues may still be mediated first)
- Privacy or safety concerns (e.g. where one party requires separation for safety or mental health support
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THE PROCESS
Step 1) Pre-Mediation Appointment
(Required by the Law Society of BC) – I meet privately with each party to gain an understanding of the issues, to determine if the situation is appropriate for mediation, and to help prepare individuals for a productive, safe conversation. In most cases, one session per person is sufficient, but in particularly complex situations, we may require more pre-mediation appointments. Each appointment is approximately one to two hours.
After this stage of the process, there is no obligation for the parties or mediator to continue on. Parties may choose to go to the traditional route at this point.
Step 2) Gather Information and Documents
Each person sends relevant documents pertaining to finances, ongoing family expenses (such as any activities children are involved in), etc. Parties will be provided with a checklist to ensure all required information is gathered prior to the mediation.
Step 3) Mediation
Both parties meet with me either in person or online to discuss the issues. I do not make decisions for you, but am there to guide the conversation so it remains productive and respectful. We may have to meet again if further information is required or if one or both parties need time to consider possible options for the agreement.
Step 4) Signing the Separation Agreement
This can be done via email as there is no need to meet during this phase. This is a legally binding document, and it is recommended that you seek advice from a family lawyer prior to signing, but it is not necessary. Please note that agreements drafted through the mediation process are tailored to the needs of the parties, and can therefore allow for more creative solutions that fit your life.
Optional Step - Post-Agreement Consultation
Some couples feel concerned about how they will proceed after the process is complete and you move forward with your life apart. Coaching can be helpful with regard to co-parenting decision making, selling or management of co-owned properties, creating boundaries around communication, or other unexpected issues.
Co-parenting decisions include changes to the set schedule, holidays and vacations, management of the child(ren)’s activities, introduction of new partners to the child(ren), the role a new partner will play in decision making and parenting, etc. Rather than allowing negative communication patterns to influence the future, it can be beneficial to have help from a neutral party who understands the dynamics of your family. Post-Agreement Consultation allows for efficient, productive, and respectful conversations to continue, which reduces stress, helps take some of the emotion out of decision making, and ensures fair and equitable, lasting solutions.
Monthly sessions can be held while you go through the transition period immediately following the separation, until both parties feel comfortable communicating directly.
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CONFLICT COACHING
Conflict coaching is a private one-on-one process that helps individuals develop the insight, skills, and strategies they need to handle conflict more effectively. Unlike mediation — which involves two or more people — conflict coaching focuses on you: your goals, your communication patterns, and your ability to navigate challenging interactions with clarity and confidence.
Conflict coaching is widely used in workplaces, families, community settings, leadership roles, and interpersonal disputes. It is practical, skills-based, future-focused, and tailored to your unique situation.
Conflict coaching is a private one-on-one process that helps individuals develop the insight, skills, and strategies they need to handle conflict more effectively. Unlike mediation — which involves two or more people — conflict coaching focuses on you: your goals, your communication patterns, and your ability to navigate challenging interactions with clarity and confidence.
Conflict coaching is widely used in workplaces, families, community settings, leadership roles, and interpersonal disputes. It is practical, skills-based, future-focused, and tailored to your unique situation.
CONFLICT COACHING HELPS PEOPLE WHO WISH TO:
- Prepare for a difficult conversation
- Improve communication and reduce defensiveness
- Understand triggers, patterns, and emotional reactions
- Build confidence in managing conflict
- Clarify goals and desired outcomes
- Strengthen boundaries and decision-making
- Reduce stress around ongoing or unresolved tensions
- Explore options before mediation or negotiation
- Avoid escalation and maintain healthier relationships
- The other person refuses to participate in mediation
- You want private support to sort out your own approach
- You’re unsure how to express your needs or concerns constructively
- You’re facing a workplace conflict and need clarity on next steps
- You repeatedly find yourself in similar types of disputes
WHAT CONFLICT COACHING IS NOT:
- Not therapy or counselling (though it can complement it)
- Not legal advice
- Not mediation (no joint session with the other person)
- Not a place to “win” a conflict
- Not focused on blame
Conflict coaching is forward-looking and skill-focused, designed to help you handle conflict more effectively in the present and future.
BENEFITS OF CONFLICT COACHING:
- Feel calmer, clearer, and more prepared
- Reduce misunderstandings
- Communicate with more empathy and assertiveness
- Stay grounded during difficult exchanges
- Shift destructive patterns into healthier ones
- Have more productive conversations
- Create sustainable, respectful outcomes
- Build long-term conflict resilience
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HOW CONFLICT COACHING WORKS
Conflict coaching typically follows a structured, step-by-step process. The amount of sessions varies, but most clients need a minimum of three in order to meet their goals.
Step 1) Initial Consultation and Goal Setting
We identify the conflict, the key people involved, your desired outcome, and the skills or insights you want to develop.
Step 2) Exploring the Conflict and Develop an Effective Strategy
We examine what’s happening, what’s important to you, what’s driving the conflict, and how various choices might affect the outcome. Together we create a strategic plan for handling the conflict, preparing for a conversation, or navigating an upcoming meeting or decision point.
Step 3) Building Communication Skills and Confidence
You learn practical tools for speaking clearly, setting boundaries, listening effectively, and managing reactions — all tailored to your style and comfort level. We may use role-play or scenario rehearsal so you can test what works and feel more grounded before the real interaction.
Step 4) Reflection & Support
You gain insight into your strengths, emotional triggers, and communication habits so you can apply your learning to future situations.
Rate: Free 30 minute Initial Consultation Call
$200/hour
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