Mediation Services

What mediation is (and what it is not)

Mediation is a process for resolving conflicts, guided by a trained professional.  The mediator has an equal responsibility to assist both sides of the conflict, and cannot favor the interests of one party over the other.

Our professional mediator is John Perry, MA, JD, LPC. John’s background includes a law degree, master’s degrees in counseling and theology, graduate certificates from both the Care & Counseling and Psychoanalytic Institute training programs, fifteen years experience as a practicing attorney, ten years as a practicing mediator, eight years working with the Domestic Relations Department at the St. Louis County Family Court and 10 years working as a therapist at Care and Counseling.  He is also adjunct faculty at UMSL teaching in the sociology department, both conflict and law-related courses. 

Mediation is often a beneficial solution to many divorce, custody, or other disputes and John has a great deal of experience working with families impacted by divorce and couples trying to rebuild or to avoid divorce.  Having skills as both an attorney and psychotherapist is an incredible asset for those in conflict as he can help improve dialogue between disputants, aiming to help the parties reach an agreement, with concrete effects, on the disputed matter.

Our professional mediator, John Perry, helps both parties to voluntarily and collaboratively:

• define the conflict
• decide what the issues are
• talk about various solutions
• promote fairness
• consider the impact of possible resolution
• reach a mutual agreement

Mediation is not a form of therapy; it is intended to resolve practical, not emotional, issues.  A mediator will not favor a particular result in the mediation.  Each party has complete decision-making power and cannot have any judgment imposed on him or her.

Mediation can offer outcomes satisfying to both parties

This process puts the decision-making power into the hands of the people who are having the conflict.  Those who may benefit include:

• Businesses
• Employers/employees
• Landlords and tenants
• Church congregations
• Spouses who are separating or divorcing
• Neighbors
• Organizations

The benefits of mediation

Mutual satisfaction.  Parties are generally more satisfied with solutions that have been reached together, instead of those imposed by a third party decision-maker.  Parties are also more likely to comply with the decision.

Greater degree of control.  Parties who negotiate their own settlements have more control over the outcome, and can tailor the settlement to their own situation.

Settlement can be more rapid.  Without having to wait for a court date, parties can often resolve their conflict through mediation more quickly.

Less expensive.  Mediation is generally more affordable than litigation.

Relationships can be preserved.  Litigation between parties often damages any hope for goodwill.  Not so with mediation, which works to preserve or restore cordial relationships.

Working in tandem with legal experts

During the mediation process, you may obtain and include legal information and advice.  Each party is encouraged to utilize the services of an attorney throughout the process, although attorneys do not typically attend mediation sessions.  The mediating parties always retain their decision-making power.

Mediation allows you to negotiate your own settlement.  If the settlement involves legal issues, it can and should be reviewed and documented by an attorney.

The cost of mediation

At Care and Counseling, the fee for mediation is between $130 and $200 per hour.  Each party is responsible for paying approximately half the cost.  A retainer covering the first four sessions is generally paid in advance.

For more information or to make an appointment

Call John Perry at Care and Counseling.  He can answer any questions you have about the mediation process and schedule your initial appointment.  (314) 336-1094 or (800) 677-3609.