What is mediation, and how does it differ from other types of dispute resolution?

Mediation is a process in which groups or people who are involved in a disagreement or conflict meet with a neutral third party (the mediator) in a confidential setting to discuss the issues upon which they disagree and work towards a mutually satisfactory resolution.
It differs from other forms of dispute resolution primarily in that it involves a neutral third party who facilitates the discussion among the parties and who may, to a greater or lesser degree, structure the process, yet does not make decisions for the participants.

What does a typical mediation session look like?

Mediation has the benefit of being a flexible process easily tailored to the needs of those using it. In a typical mediation session, the participants will meet together in the presence of the mediator to discuss their issues and concerns. Each will be given an opportunity to hear what the other has to say and to express the issues from their own stand point. They will then, with the assistance of the mediator, generate and evaluate options for resolution.
In some instances, the participants may meet with the mediator privately. This is decided on a case by case basis and depends upon the circumstances of the issues being discussed, the desires of the participants and the style of the mediator.

What does the mediator do?

The mediator facilitates the meeting and assists the participants in structuring their discussions. The mediator listens to the parties as they discuss their issues and concerns with one another and may ask questions to help them identify issues and points of conflict and to gain clarity and understanding of the dispute. The mediator will assist the participants in exploring and evaluating options for resolving the dispute.