8403 Colesville Rd., Suite 1100
Silver Spring, MD 20910
301-588-5390

Online Mediation Now Available

  • Posted by: Ellen Kandell

What’s involved with an online mediation?

In an online or virtual mediation, we will meet over the computer or smartphone via the well-known platform called Zoom. You will need a computer with a camera, or a smart phone and you will need to download the Zoom app. If you prefer not to be on camera we can meet by telephone. https://youtu.be/SAftlsKe3rA

We will schedule two hours for our virtual mediation session. If it is necessary or advisable to meet with the parties separately, the technology allows me to set up separate “rooms” to meet with each person privately. This can be accomplished over the telephone as well.

I want to acknowledge that online or telephone mediation is not the same as being physically in the same location. Direct eye contact is only apparent when one is looking directly into the camera. Certain visual cues can easily be missed or misunderstood if someone isn’t looking directly at the camera. In telephone mediation we do not have the benefit of visual cues. While that could be seen as a disadvantage you might find that your listening skills will be more attuned.

The decision about which mode we use is up to you and the other participants.

Is it secure?

We have enabled all of Zoom’s security features, including requiring a password and prohibiting recordings of the session. The meeting can be locked once all participants have joined. I believe the safeguards and features that I have enabled make it as secure as any online system can be.

How does one do a virtual mediation?

Once you decide you are comfortable with doing a mediation via Zoom, I will send you an agreement and any necessary forms. We will find a mutually convenient time for our first meeting. I will send you a unique link to the meeting. You will need to download the Zoom app on your phone or computer. There is no cost for doing that and you don’t need an account. Before the actual session is begins, I provide a 15-minute technology orientation at no charge so that you can test out the software and get acquainted with the settings.

Email me if you have any questions or want to schedule a session.

Author: Ellen Kandell

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