Use Talk With Support when 

• Two of you need to have a conversation or make a decision but every attempt ends in tension or goes nowhere.

• You want to talk about a conflict situation and work on ways you might resolve it.

• You want to gain some knowledge about how people behave in conflict and learn some useful communication skills.

• Misunderstandings, assumptions, or past issues are making it difficult for two of you to move forward.

All our staff are trained accredited mediators and you will be guided through any joint conversations following the techniques used in mediation. Mediation is a structured process where a neutral mediator helps people in conflict talk openly, explore issues, and work towards a solution that feels fair to everyone.  

We term our sessions 'conflict management' because we want you to realise that this is not legal, it's not about divorce, it's not therapy, and it is available to you in the early stages of disagreements. 

Plus as well as guiding your conversation we also share conflict management skills you can use into the future to manage, and avoid escalating, conflict.

If you want support to think things through on your own - or the other person isn’t ready to join a session - choose Conflict management for One.

If you often face conflict or work with people who can be confrontational, Conflict management for One (with a focus on communication skills and understanding conflict) is usually the best fit.

If you and another person want guided help to talk things through:

• If you would like an individual session prior to your joint session and the situation feels a bit complex  - choose the Conflict Management Package

• For a simpler issue where you want quick, practical solutions and you just have one forward focused productive supported conversation - choose Conflict Management for Two

Even if the other person will not come to a discussion, by doing an individual session you will get to learn conflict skills and gain understanding highly likely to improve your conflict in the future.

In conflict management for one you get the support and space to explore your own perspective and your role in the conflict. 

You get to use the results of research into conflict to help you understand your situation.

If you intend to go to a joint session or mediation in the future you can learn more about what this process will involve and prepare.

If you often face conflict or work with people who can be confrontational, Conflict management for One (with a focus on communication skills and understanding conflict) is usually the best fit.

The sessions focus on resolving a specific conflict or issue, while there is some focus on the past, the focus is mostly on the future and solutions. We do not provide therapy or legal advice or representation. The mediator doesn’t take sides or give advice but facilitates productive conversations.

The joint session generally runs for about 2 hours. They can be up to 3 hours if you choose, it is not productive to go longer than this.  Sometimes one session is enough, while other situations may need more. 

Normally both participants share the full cost equally.

In a workplace dispute the company may pay.

In a conflict between a client and their provider, the participant who will benefit most financially from the agreement may choose to pay all, or a larger portion, of the total. 

Please note; In cases where one participant pays more than another, the mediator will remain impartial and will not act in any way to support the paying party. Furthermore you will need to acknowledge in advance that while due to the voluntary nature of the discussion a final agreement may not be reached. However a mediation without full agreement can still be very beneficial, by helping to clarify issues, improve communication, and reduce tension.

The fees for the session cover the costs of the mediator, organisation time and other business costs including communication for appointments, paperwork, insurance and supporting technology.  If you wish for a face to face rather than online session, costs will vary slightly depending on the need for room hire and location.

Most sessions run for the times specified below and as the session is online we will require payment in advance.

Any session can run for up to 3 hours if you choose. If you choose to continue beyond the initial timeframe, any additional time is billed afterward in 15-minute increments at $120 an hour. During the session, your mediator will check in with you so you can decide whether to continue or wrap up. This ensures you stay in control of both the time and the cost. 

Conflict Management Package:   

Individual - 1hour $149, Joint - 2 hours $318 Total  - 2 individual plus one joint session $616

Conflict Management for One: 1.5 Hours $238

Conflict Management for Two: 2 hours $318, $159 each

Yes. What is said in the session stays in the room, except in rare situations such as safety concerns or legal obligations. In situations where the cost is paid by management of a business the contents of any agreement may be shared but no information on the discussions are given.

The people directly involved in the issue. Sometimes support people or professionals may also attend, if agreed by everyone.

No. Sessions can be held in person, online, or a mix of both — whatever is most comfortable and practical.

Agreements reached are not automatically legally binding, but they can be written into a formal contract with legal support if both parties wish.

A session may not result in agreements, particularly if participants are inflexible or have unrealistic expectations, when they fail to communicate effectively, or allow their emotions to control the conversation, when one or both have insufficient information available, or if there is a significant imbalance of power between them. 

The mediator is there to mitigate as many of these situations as possible but even if a final agreement isn’t reached, the supported conversation can still help clarify issues, improve communication, and reduce tension.

It’s completely okay to feel unsure. Mediation and conflict support are voluntary processes, and both people need to be genuinely willing and committed to engaging for the session to be effective.

If you’re feeling hesitant, you’re welcome to book a Conflict Support for One session first. This gives you a private space to talk through the situation, understand your options, and decide whether a joint session feels right for you.

You can also let the other person know that you’re open to support, but you want to start in a way that feels comfortable and safe for you.

Please be aware that on rare occasions the introductory process reveals information that means that the situation or one or other of the participants, will not benefit from a joint session. Under these circumstances we will not be able to run a joint session and will support you to consider other options and provide communication tools that may be useful. For example sessions will not be carried out if participants are deemed to be under the influence of alcohol or any illicit drugs or it is considered that to continue would be detrimental to their mental health or safety.  It is highly unlikely to be required however Mediators reserve the right to end the session at any time if necessary. 

If you have any issues with us at Talk With Support, please raise your concern directly with us and the Mediator involved. You can call or email us or complete the contact form. We are always open to feedback , positive or negative and want to provide the best possible service to you.

As a last resort if this does not resolve your concern, or you do not feel able to raise it directly with us you can contact the Mediation Institute on 1300 781 533, or use their Complaint Form.