Mediators work as neutral facilitators for two or more clients to help settle disputes, to help them work together to define their issues and determine their priorities. The parties gather the information they need to understand the decisions ahead and Dr. Weser facilitates communication, making sure that each person feels safe and engaged, and guides the discussion through negotiation to agreement.

As a Co-Mediator, Dr. Weser works alongside an attorney, Sarah Gurney, (See: www.gurneyattorney.com), who assures that people understand the law and can make their own decisions, memorializing the agreement in writing and preparing other pleadings required by the Court. Carol helps clients with emotional issues and communication challenges, and assists them in clarifying and expressing their needs and interests. Sarah educates them about the legal process and navigates them through the paperwork,

This poster from Prague shows that which we seek to prevent through collaborative process: A child caught in a power struggle between the parents.

without going to court. Both meet together with clients or separately, depending on the issues and the situation. Co-mediation can even more effective than traditional mediation with less cost than the collaborative-team approach.

Collaborative Practice also helps people achieve a respectful mutual resolution of disputes, including divorce, for the benefit of the children and adults alike, and is ideally a team of attorneys, coaches (all licensed therapists), and a financial neutral to "sit around the kitchen table" and assist in coming to agreement without resorting to the expense and stress of going to court. Dr. Weser is an active Collaborative Coach with Collaborative Council of the Redwood Empire and International Association of Collaborative Professionals. She can help with a divorce or other dispute, find an attorney that is a good match, and meet with you one-on-one, as well as in team meetings with other professionals, providing support throughout the process.

See: http://www.collaborativecouncil.org

See: www.youtube.com/watch?v=fRDjs3NvRL0&feature=channel_page

Photo of the Collaborative Council of the Redwood Empire, during a training