Conflict Resolution & Insight Mediation in Ottawa
There are various styles of mediation. Insight Mediation is a holistic style that helps parties make sense of the conflict they are experiencing by exploring questions and providing a structure for dialogue. Insight Mediators help people to understand behaviours in conflict settings and how their interpretation and response to its perceived meaning may be seen as threatening. Mediation provides a vehicle to have difficult conversations, resolve conflicts, and regain calm in your surroundings and life.
Avoiding conflict — at home or at work — can quietly drain your energy, happiness, and productivity. Mediation offers another option.
Conflict Happens - It's Part of Being Human
Conflict is a normal part of life. From childhood to the workplace, we’re constantly sharing space, resources, and responsibilities with others. Whenever people interact, there’s room for misunderstanding, miscommunication, and crossed wires.
More than 80% of communication is non-verbal — body language, facial expression, tone, and timing matter just as much (if not more) than the words themselves. On top of that, we all interpret what we hear and see through our own lived experiences: culture, family history, gender, stress levels, health, and past relationships.
With all those layers, it’s honestly impressive that we understand each other at all.
A Different Way to Look at Conflict
Insight Mediation treats conflict not just as a problem to fix, but as an opportunity for insight and growth. Conflict often points to something important — a value, boundary, or unmet need that deserves attention.
Instead of jumping straight into problem-solving, mediation helps re-frame the situation and create a new, more constructive mindset toward what’s happening. The goal isn’t to “win,” but to understand, reduce tension, and move forward in a healthier way.
Common Myths About Conflict
- “If I were smarter, conflict wouldn’t happen to me.”
- “My personal life doesn’t affect my work.”
- “Stress, health issues, or care-giving don’t impact how I relate to others.”
- “If I don’t show my anger, it won’t affect me.”
- “Email is better than face-to-face communication.”
- “I can just avoid conflict altogether.”
- Waiting in lines doesn't cause me stress.
- Communicating by email is more effective. Not having to meet face to face is a better way to communicate.
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“I can just avoid conflict altogether.”
You can avoid conflict — but often at a real cost to your energy, health, relationships, and overall well-being.
Choosing the Right Mediator in Ottawa
Mediation is still a growing field, and not all mediators work the same way. Training, experience, and approach can vary widely, so finding the right fit matters.
I take time to clearly understand the situation and ensure everyone involved feels heard and respected. Pre-mediation conversations help determine whether mediation is appropriate and whether all parties are willing to engage in a guided, respectful process.
Types of Mediation & Conflict Support Offered
- Conflict assessment
- Conflict coaching (one-on-one support)
- Facilitating difficult conversations
- Mediation for individuals
- Family and relationship situations
- Workplace conflict and team issues
- Leadership and “boss whispering” support
- Community and neighbourhood disputes
- Church, volunteer, and group settings
- Elder care and third-party care concerns
- Group facilitation