"In most conflicts, the main point of the problem consists of getting people to talk and listen to one another." Howard Raiffa

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Frequently-asked Questions

What is mediation?
Mediation is an informal, confidential and voluntary process that uses a trained impartial third party--a mediator--to help the participants develop informed decisions and mutually acceptable agreements.

How does it work?
Mediation is often used in any conflict involving business, family and organizational relationships as well as issues of divorce or legal separation.  Conflicts and disagreements are discussed one at a time and various options and solutions are explored. Decisions are made by the clients which allows them to keep control of their lives.

What are the benefits?

• Participants make all final decisions
• Minimizes emotional stress n
• Less time-consuming than litigation
• Eliminates high legal fees
• Maintains the best possible long term relationships; therefore everyone benefits
• Mediation does not reward posturing or taking extreme or ridiculous positions
• It is confidential, thus avoiding public disclosure of personal problems

Can mediation help businesses?
Family and other small businesses may fear public exposure of difficulties. Mediation offers participants an opportunity to resolve conflicts in a private and confidential setting. The mediator has no decision-making power. All decision-making power is retained by the principals of the business. Short- and long-term goals are carefully considered. The results are constructive for the individuals involved and for the business as a whole.

Can mediation help families?
Family members involved in mediation have the opportunity to explore key issues in a respectful environment and consider various approaches to resolve outstanding issues while enhancing the family dynamic.

What if couples reach a decision to divorce or legally separate?
People trying to keep their lives under control during this difficult time can realize great benefits from mediation. Mediators help couples resolve conflicts involving parenting plans, and child and spousal support, as well as their property settlement including all assets and liabilities Mediators help couples separate their spousal roles, which are ending, from their parental roles, which are continuing. Clients learn to evaluate their present financial conditions and to provide for their future financial needs.

With the mediator's help, temporary agreements can be reached to handle immediate concerns. Couples may then negotiate long-range agreements.

Can mediation help divorced or legally-separated parents face changing circumstances?
When post-divorce modifications are needed, parents welcome having a safe, impartial environment to discuss parenting and support issues. When appropriate and desired, mediation may also include other important persons in a family, such as stepparents.

What are your rates?
Eberle-Reid Mediation rates are reasonable. For more information and to schedule an appointment, call 425-454-0724 or e-mail us at

Carol Guenther is a mediator, coach and consultant, who works out of the Bellevue Office and also offers office hours in Puyallup for Pierce County clients. She earned her basic mediation training from the Dispute Resolution Center of Snohomish County and her advance certification through the Law School at the University of Washington. Carol is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution and has been an active mediator for six years. She has extensive pastoral experience in church work and sees her work as a form of peace-making. She also holds a Masters in Divinity from the University of Notre Dame, IN.

John Reid, is one of the partners in Eberle-Reid Mediation Services.  John has worked as a mediator for more than 15 years in business, educational, interpersonal and non-profit settings.  He holds Master degrees in Divinity and Administration from the University of Notre Dame, has received mediation training from the University of Washington Law School and is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution.  John believes that mediation is the most effective dispute resolution process for people because the parties retain control of the decision-making and the process is less time consuming and costly than arbitration or litigation. 

Tom Reid, is one of the partners in Eberle-Reid Mediation Services. Tom has extensive experience in helping leaders, groups and organizations to be more effective. His background includes close to 30 years working in communication and conflict management in a variety of settings. He earned Master degrees in Divinity and Administration from the University of Notre Dame. Tom attended family therapy training at Presbyterian Counseling Service. He received mediation training from the University of Washington Law School and is a member of the Association for Conflict Resolution.

Comments from former clients

Hardball issues handled in a loving and delicate way for realistic results.
Business client

Mediation is the best option if a divorce must happen. I found the mediation process promoted fairness between us . . . I would definitely recommend [Eberle-Reid Mediation] to a friend.
Divorce client

What I like most about the mediation was to be able to sit down in a comfortable office and discuss issues without the tension that I would expect to have had we hired our own attorney.
Jennifer A.

The mediation helped us maintain a reasonable attitude toward one another in a sometimes unreasonable situation.
Family client

Web Resources

• Divorce Source

• The Reid Group, Family and Community mediation

Eberle-Reid Mediation Services
10900 NE 8th Street, Suite 900
Bellevue, Washington 98004
425-454-0724
help@eberlereidmediation.com
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