What Are the Different Types of Mediation?
When most people think of mediation, they imagine two people in conflict sitting across from a neutral third party. While that’s a good start, mediation actually comes in several different forms, each with its own style, structure, and focus. Understanding the different types of mediation can help you choose the approach that best fits your situation.
Here are the most common types of mediation used today:
Facilitative Mediation
In facilitative mediation, the mediator takes a neutral, supportive role, guiding the process without offering opinions, advice, or legal judgments. The emphasis is on helping the parties understand each other’s perspectives and interests, and on working together to generate mutually agreeable solutions. The mediator listens closely, asks open-ended questions, and reflects key themes to help clarify the issues at hand. This style works well when the parties are open to dialogue and want to retain control over the outcome. It is instrumental in disputes where relationships matter, like workplace, family, or community contexts, because it encourages collaboration and mutual respect.
Best for: Family disagreements, workplace disputes, neighbor conflicts
Goal: Help parties reach a mutually acceptable agreement through better communication
Mediator’s Role: Process manager and communication coach
Example phrase: “It sounds like fairness is really important to you, and you want to make sure responsibilities are distributed evenly. And you’re feeling that your efforts to help are sometimes misunderstood as interference. How can we come up with a clearer process for dividing the work that feels fair and respectful to both of you?”
Evaluative Mediation
By contrast, evaluative mediation is more directive. The mediator draws on legal expertise or subject matter knowledge to assess the strengths and weaknesses of each party’s position, often offering predictions about what a court might decide. The goal is to move the parties toward a practical resolution based on an understanding of their legal risks and options. This approach can be particularly helpful in legal or financial disputes, especially when parties are seeking a settlement and want a reality check on their legal standing.
Best for: Legal conflicts, business contracts, civil lawsuits
Goal: Narrow the issues and move toward a practical resolution
Mediator’s Role: Evaluator with subject-matter knowledge
Example phrase: “Based on what I’ve seen, if this went to court, a judge would likely find partial liability here, but the damages you’re claiming might not be fully supported. Given those risks, it may be in both your interests to find a middle ground now.”
Transformative Mediation
Transformative mediation operates on a different logic altogether. Rather than focusing on solving the problem or crafting a deal, this style emphasizes personal empowerment and mutual recognition. The goal is to transform the way the parties relate to one another, helping them listen more deeply, articulate their needs more clearly, and recognize each other’s humanity. It is especially valuable in emotionally charged or ongoing relationships, whether between family members, coworkers, or community members. It may not always result in a written agreement, but it often leads to significant shifts in how people view themselves and each other.
Best for: Ongoing relationships (families, co-parents, teams)
Goal: Transform the quality of interaction between the parties
Mediator’s Role: Encourages self-reflection and mutual recognition
Example phrase: “What would it mean for you to feel understood in this situation? Can you share what’s at stake for you emotionally, not just about the noise, but about how you’ve experienced this tension over time?”
Narrative Mediation
In narrative mediation, the central idea is that conflict is rooted in the stories we tell about ourselves, others, and the events that divide us. Mediators using this approach work with parties to explore and deconstruct these narratives, challenge unhelpful assumptions, and co-create new, shared stories that open space for resolution and healing. By reframing the conflict as something outside the people, something shaped by culture, history, or expectations the mediator helps parties externalize the problem and begin to co-author a different path forward. This style is especially effective when misunderstandings and entrenched perceptions are at the heart of the dispute.
Best for: Longstanding or identity-based conflicts
Goal: Shift unhelpful stories into more constructive, humanizing ones
Mediator’s Role: Facilitator of meaning and story exploration
Example phrase: “How do each of you understand your role in the family? What messages have you taken in about duty, fairness, or loyalty? And how might those stories be influencing how you see each other?”
Restorative Mediation
Restorative mediation draws on principles from restorative justice. It is designed to address harm, not just disagreement. This style centers the voices of those affected, focuses on accountability, and seeks ways to make things right, not just legally or financially, but emotionally and relationally. The mediator facilitates a dialogue that includes acknowledgment of harm, the opportunity to make amends, and discussion of how to prevent future harm. This style is particularly effective in communities, schools, and justice settings where the goal is not just resolution but repair and transformation.
Best for: Commonly used in schools, justice systems, and community settings
Goal: To create a safe space where people in conflict can share their perspectives, acknowledge harm, and explore ways to move forward with greater understanding and accountability.
Mediator’s Role: To guide the dialogue, ensure balanced participation, and help participants identify constructive paths toward resolution and restoration.
Example phrase: "I’d like to invite each of you to speak about how this incident has impacted you, not just in terms of what happened, but how it affected you emotionally, relationally, or in your day-to-day life. This space is about understanding harm so we can think together about what it might mean to make things right."
Honorable Mention: Online Mediation
Online Mediation is mediation conducted virtually via videoconferencing platforms. You can use any of the above styles in a virtual setting as well as in person.
Best for: Parties in different locations, accessibility needs, or convenience
Goal: Provide a flexible, confidential setting
Mediator’s Role: Same as above, adapted to a digital environment
Tip: Make sure to test your tech ahead of time and choose a quiet, private space.
Each mediation style has its strengths. The best approach depends on your goals, communication needs, and relationship with the other party. Facilitative mediation prioritizes process and party autonomy, while evaluative mediation leans toward legal realism and efficient settlement. Transformative and narrative approaches work best when relationships, identity, or meaning are at the heart of the conflict. Restorative mediation is essential when harm needs to be addressed and trust rebuilt.
At Rogers Resolution Services, we tailor the process to meet your unique situation; whether you're navigating divorce, parenting issues, workplace challenges, or interpersonal tension. Ready to explore whether mediation is right for your conflict? Schedule a free consultation here.
Sources:
Zumeta, Z. “Styles of Mediation: Facilitative, Evaluative, and Transformative Mediation.” Mediate.com
Noll, D. “Restorative Mediation.” Mediate.com
ADR Times. “Narrative Mediation Process Explained.” ADR Times