Have questions about mediation, arbitration, conflict coaching, or communication training?
You’re in the right place. Below you’ll find detailed answers to the most common questions I receive about my services, process, pricing, and what to expect when you work with A+ Mediation & Arbitration.
If you don’t see your question here, you’re always welcome to reach out.
Jump to a Section:
General Questions
Q: What does A+ Mediation & Arbitration actually do?
A: I help individuals, creators, businesses, and teams resolve conflict in a way that is fair, calm, and solution-focused. I offer mediation (guided conversation), arbitration (structured decision-making), conflict coaching (one-on-one support), and communication training (workshops for teams). My goal is to give you clarity, reduce stress, and help you move forward.
Q: What’s the difference between mediation, arbitration, conflict coaching, and communication training?
A:
-
Mediation is a neutral, guided conversation between two or more people to help them reach their own agreement.
-
Arbitration is a more formal process where a neutral arbitrator hears both sides and issues a decision.
-
Conflict coaching is one-on-one support to help you handle conflict better, communicate clearly, and prepare for hard conversations.
-
Communication training is for groups or teams and focuses on building better everyday communication and conflict skills.
Q: Do you take sides?
A: No. My role as a mediator or arbitrator is to stay neutral. I’m not here to “pick a winner,” defend anyone, or act as someone’s attorney. I’m here to make sure the process is fair, structured, and that everyone has the chance to be heard.
Q: Are you a lawyer or therapist?
A: No. I’m a neutral conflict resolution professional. I do not provide legal or mental health advice. I may recommend that you consult an attorney or therapist if your situation calls for it, but my role is focused on communication, clarity, and resolution—not law or therapy.
Q: Is everything confidential?
A: Yes. Mediation, arbitration, conflict coaching, and training sessions are confidential, with very limited exceptions (for example, disclosures of abuse, threats of harm, or where the law requires reporting). I’ll go over confidentiality before we begin so you know exactly what to expect.
Q: Do you work virtually or in person?
A: Both. Most sessions are held virtually via Zoom for convenience and accessibility, especially for creators and remote teams. In-person sessions and workshops in the Austin, Texas area may be available on a case-by-case basis.
Q: Do both parties have to agree to mediation or arbitration?
A: Yes. For mediation and arbitration to work, both parties must agree to participate in good faith. For arbitration, there is also a written agreement to arbitrate that everyone signs before we begin.
Q: I’m nervous about conflict. Is that normal?
A: Completely. Most people feel anxious before mediation or any type of conflict process. My job is to create a calm, structured, and respectful environment where you feel safe enough to speak honestly without being attacked or judged.
Mediation Questions
Q: What exactly happens in a mediation session?
A: In mediation, we:
-
Set ground rules and clarify the issues.
-
Give each person time to share their perspective without interruption.
-
Explore what each person needs and wants moving forward.
-
Brainstorm options and possible solutions.
-
Work toward a mutually acceptable agreement, if possible.
You are always in control of what you say yes or no to—nothing is forced on you.
Q: What kinds of conflicts do you mediate?
A: I primarily mediate:
-
Workplace and team disputes
-
Business and partnership disagreements
-
Creator and digital media conflicts (co-hosts, editors, brands, agencies, etc.)
-
Landlord–tenant and small civil conflicts (non-eviction, non-injury)
-
Community, HOA, or neighbor issues
If you’re unsure whether your situation fits, you can always schedule a consultation to check.
Q: How long does mediation take?
A: It depends on the complexity of the situation, but most mediations fall into one of these:
-
Short conflicts: 2–3 hours
-
Moderate conflicts: Half-day (3–4 hours)
-
Complex or multi-issue conflicts: Full-day (6–8 hours)
Q: Do we sign anything at the end?
A: If you reach an agreement, I can help you draft a written summary of the terms you both agreed to. This can be used as a reference document, or you can have your attorney review and formalize it if needed.
Q: Can my lawyer attend mediation?
A: Yes, if both parties agree. Some people prefer to have their lawyer present or on standby. Others prefer to participate without legal counsel in the room and consult them before or after the mediation.
Q: Do you do family or divorce mediation?
A: No. At this time I do not provide divorce, custody, or family mediation. My focus is on civil, business, workplace, creator, and digital media conflicts.
Q: What if we don’t reach an agreement?
A: Sometimes mediation results in a full agreement; other times it leads to a partial agreement or simply better understanding. Even if you don’t fully resolve everything, you will usually leave with:
-
clearer communication,
-
more insight into the other side’s perspective, and
-
a better idea of your options and next steps.
Creator & Digital Media Questions
Q: What makes your services creator- and digital-media friendly?
A: I understand the unique conflicts that happen in the creator and digital media world—brand deals, collabs, editing and production disputes, content ownership, communication breakdowns in DMs or group chats, and partnership conflicts. I structure mediation specifically around these issues, including reviewing contracts, expectations, deliverables, and communication.
Q: What is the Creator & Brand Mediation Package?
A: The Creator & Brand Mediation Package is a specialized mediation option (up to 4 hours) for creators, influencers, editors, production teams, and brands. It includes:
-
Pre-session review of contracts, emails, or key messages
-
A 3–4 hour mediation session
-
A written summary of agreements and expectations
-
A brief follow-up check-in (if included)
It’s designed to resolve disputes quickly so everyone can get back to creating.
Q: Can you help with conflicts between co-hosts, podcast partners, or collaborators?
A: Yes. This is one of my favorite areas to work in. I can help co-hosts, collaborators, and production partners talk through expectations, roles, workload, credit, pay, and long-term plans.
Arbitration Questions
Q: How is arbitration different from mediation?
A: In mediation, you work together to create your own agreement with my help as a neutral guide.
In arbitration, I listen to both sides, review evidence, and then issue a decision. It’s still private and less formal than court, but more structured than mediation.
Q: What types of cases do you arbitrate?
A: I focus on civil, business, and digital-era cases such as:
-
Contract and payment disputes
-
Service or performance disputes
-
Business partnership disagreements
-
Creator/brand contract disputes
-
Production or IP usage disputes
Q: Is arbitration binding?
A: Arbitration can be binding or non-binding, depending on what you all agree to before we begin. In a binding arbitration, you agree to follow the decision. In non-binding arbitration, you can use the decision as a strong recommendation or framework.
Q: Do I need a lawyer for arbitration?
A: You’re not required to have a lawyer, but some people choose to consult one before or after the hearing. My role is to remain neutral—not to give legal advice or represent either side.
Q: What happens during an arbitration hearing?
A: Typically:
-
We clarify the issues and procedures.
-
Each side shares an opening statement.
-
Evidence or documents are presented.
-
Each side has the opportunity to respond.
-
I may ask questions for clarification.
-
I review the information and issue a written decision (award).
Conflict Coaching Questions
Q: What is conflict coaching?
A: Conflict coaching is a one-on-one, confidential process where we focus on you—your communication habits, emotional reactions, and conflict patterns. We work on specific situations you’re facing and build tools to help you respond more calmly and effectively.
Q: Who is conflict coaching for?
A: It’s ideal for:
-
People preparing for a difficult conversation
-
Professionals or creators who avoid conflict
-
Managers dealing with team tension
-
Anyone who feels “flooded” or anxious in conflict and wants more control over their reactions
Q: How is conflict coaching different from therapy?
A: Therapy focuses on mental health, past trauma, and clinical treatment. Conflict coaching is skills-based and forward-focused. We work on communication tools, emotional awareness in the moment, and practical strategies for your real-world situations.
Q: Can conflict coaching help me prepare for mediation or arbitration?
A: Absolutely. Coaching can help you clarify what you want, practice what you want to say, and manage your emotions so you feel grounded and confident during the process.
Communication Training & TableTalk Questions
Q: What is Communication Training?
A: Communication Training is designed for teams and organizations. We focus on building everyday skills like active listening, giving and receiving feedback, de-escalating tension, and communicating clearly in person and online.
Q: What is the TableTalk workshop?
A: TableTalk: An A+ Conflict Rez Workshop is my signature training for teams. It’s an interactive session that combines conflict education, real-life scenarios, and practical tools your team can use right away. It’s available virtually or in person (where available).
Q: How many people can attend a workshop?
A: Most workshops are designed for up to 20 participants to keep the experience interactive and meaningful. Larger groups may be accommodated with adjustments to format and pricing.
Q: Do you customize trainings for each organization?
A: Yes. Before any training, I conduct a brief needs assessment so we can focus on the communication patterns and pain points that matter most to your team.
Pricing & Payment Questions
Q: How much do your services cost?
A: Pricing depends on the service (mediation, arbitration, coaching, or training). You can view a summary of rates on each service page and a full breakdown on the Pricing page. If you’re unsure where your situation fits, you can start with a consultation.
Q: Do you offer payment plans or sliding scale options?
A: For certain cases and on a limited basis, I may offer payment plans. Sliding scale options may be available for individuals or small organizations with financial constraints. If cost is a concern, please mention it during your consultation so we can explore options.
Q: Who is responsible for paying for mediation or arbitration?
A: It depends on your agreement. Sometimes parties split the cost 50/50, sometimes one party pays, and sometimes a business or organization covers the cost. This can be discussed and agreed upon before we schedule.
Q: Do you require a deposit?
A: Yes. Most mediations, arbitrations, and trainings require a deposit to reserve your date and time. The remaining balance is usually due before the session begins.
Booking, Scheduling & Cancellation Questions
Q: How do I get started?
A: You can begin by filling out the contact form or booking a consultation. From there, we’ll discuss your situation, determine which service is the best fit, and outline next steps.
Q: How far in advance do I need to schedule?
A: I recommend scheduling at least 1–2 weeks in advance, especially for half-day or full-day sessions. Occasionally, we may be able to accommodate urgent or last-minute requests based on availability. Please note that a late notice fee will apply.
Q: What is your cancellation or rescheduling policy?
A: Cancellations and rescheduling must be made within 48 hours to avoid losing your deposit or incurring a fee. Exact policy details are provided in your service agreement.
Q: Do you work with clients outside of Texas?
A: For mediation, coaching, and training, virtual work with clients in many locations is often possible. For arbitration, there may be jurisdictional or contract-specific considerations. We’ll clarify this during your consultation.
Safety, Comfort & Expectations
Q: What if I feel overwhelmed or emotional during a session?
A: That’s completely okay. Conflict is emotional. I create space for breaks, grounding, and checking in if anyone feels overwhelmed. You’re never expected to “hold it together” perfectly.
Q: What if the other person doesn’t communicate well or gets defensive?
A: That’s exactly why I’m there. My job is to manage the process, keep things structured, and ensure the space stays respectful. You don’t have to handle the other person’s reactions alone.
Q: Do I have to be in the same room as the other person?
A: Not necessarily. In virtual mediations, we can use separate breakout rooms (also called “caucus”) and I can go back and forth between parties. This can feel safer and less intense, especially in high-conflict situations.
Q: What should I bring or prepare before a session?
A: Depending on the service, you may want to bring:
-
Relevant documents (contracts, emails, agreements)
-
Notes about key events or dates
-
A list of what you’d like to see happen moving forward
I’ll let you know exactly what’s needed once we schedule.
Still Have Questions?
If you didn’t see your question answered here, feel free to reach out. I’m happy to clarify the process, talk through your situation, and help you decide whether A+ Mediation & Arbitration is the right fit for you.