06. How is mediation different from counselling?

Counselling is about you and your relationship. It can help you to understand and deal with your feelings and emotions. Sometimes counselling is intended to help couples stay together.

Mediation is about the practical and legal arrangements you and your partner make about your children or your property. It is a way of making decisions and settling any disputes after you have decided to separate.

The mediator may suggest you see a counsellor if:

• they think it would be a good idea for you to talk to someone about how you are feeling; or
• you and your partner decide you want to give your relationship another go, and you need help to do this.