Frequently Asked Questions

Mediation is a voluntary, confidential process where a neutral third party helps families resolve conflict through respectful dialogue and collaborative problem-solving. 

Mediation is beneficial for couples, families, co-parents, business partners, and anyone experiencing conflict who wants to resolve it peacefully and constructively.

Agreements reached in mediation can be documented and signed, but they are not automatically legally binding unless formalized through legal channels.  

Yes—confidentiality is a cornerstone of my practice. What’s discussed in mediation stays between participants, with a few legal exceptions I will explain before we begin.

• Time-efficient: Mediation often wraps up in weeks, while litigation can drag on for years. 
• Emotionally gentler: Less adversarial, especially helpful when children are involved.
• Private: Mediation is confidential, unlike public court proceedings

Yes. Mediation is specifically designed to support communication, even when relationships are strained or difficult. The process is structured to maintain respectful dialogue, reduce tension, and keep the conversation focused on solutions. As long as there are no concerns related to coercive control, abuse, or severe power imbalances, mediation can be a safe and effective way to navigate conflict. I assess for these issues during your individual intake session to ensure that mediation is appropriate and emotionally safe for everyone involved. 

Caucusing is a confidential meeting between the mediator and one party, separate from the joint session. It’s used when emotions run high, when someone needs space to reflect, or when sensitive information needs to be shared privately. I always explain the purpose of a caucus and ensure both parties have equal time and support.  

Yes—it’s entirely voluntary. If you decide to pause or stop, I will ask to meet with you individually to reflect and support next steps.

To maintain the integrity and neutrality of the mediation process, I do not engage in substantive discussions with either party outside of scheduled sessions. If you have questions about the process or logistics, I’m happy to help. For anything related to the content of your mediation, please bring it to our next joint session so it can be addressed fairly and transparently.

No. To maintain neutrality and uphold ethical standards, I’m unable to offer mediation services to individuals I’ve previously worked with in a professional capacity — such as through Partner Assault Response (PAR) programs or child welfare services — or to those I know personally.

This ensures that every mediation process remains impartial, confidential, and grounded in fairness for all parties involved. If you're unsure whether this applies to you, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to help clarify and, if needed, refer you to another qualified mediator.

At Olive and Ember, mediation is designed for people who are willing to engage in respectful dialogue, even if communication between them has been strained. You don’t need to agree on everything—or even get along perfectly—but you do need to be open to speaking directly with one another during the process.

I’ll guide and support the conversation every step of the way. My role is to help create a safe, structured space where both parties can be heard, explore solutions, and build a foundation for better communication moving forward. While I don’t offer “shuttle mediation” (where the mediator moves between parties who don’t speak directly), I do work with clients to reduce conflict and foster clarity, with the goal of helping you move forward with less tension and more understanding.

Olive & Ember Mediation Privacy Policy

Olive & Ember Mediation recognizes the importance of privacy and the sensitivity of personal information. My relationship with clients is founded on trust, and I am committed to maintaining that trust by protecting the confidentiality of all information I receive in the course of mediation.

1. Your Privacy Rights

I comply with the Personal Information Protection and Electronic Documents Act (PIPEDA) and applicable provincial privacy laws. These laws give you rights concerning the privacy of your personal information. Olive & Ember Mediation is responsible for the personal information I collect and hold.

2. What Information I Collect

I collect personal information necessary to provide mediation services, including:

• Contact      details (name, address, phone, email)
• Family      and financial information relevant to mediation
• Documents      and communications shared through ADR Notable or other secure platforms

I collect information directly from you whenever possible. Occasionally, I may collect information from other sources with your consent or as permitted by law.

3. How I Use Your Information

Your personal information is used only for the following purposes:

• To provide mediation services and manage your case
• To schedule sessions and communicate with you securely
• To  process payments through Stripe (note: Olive & Ember Mediation does      not access or store your credit card information; Stripe handles all      payment processing securely)
• To comply with legal and professional obligations

4. Disclosure of Information

I do not disclose your personal information without your consent, except:

• When required by law (e.g., child protection concerns, threats of harm)
• To comply with court orders or regulatory requirements

5. Security of Information

I use secure platforms (Microsoft Teams for sessions, ADR Notable for case management, Stripe for payments) to protect your information. Each party creates their own secure access to ADR Notable to avoid sharing sensitive information by email. Records are retained in accordance with professional standards and applicable law.

6. Retention of Records

I retain mediation records only as long as necessary to fulfill the purposes outlined above or as required by law. Draft agreements are provided to parties for review, but mediator notes are not shared.

7. Access to Your Information

You may request access to your personal information at any time. If you believe information is inaccurate, you may request corrections.

8. Questions or Concerns

If you have questions about this Privacy Policy or how your information is handled, please contact Olive & Ember Mediation directly.