OK to Vent?

Is it a good idea to allow people to vent during a mediation?

Yes. Particularly when parties have not communicated with each other by choice or at the recommendation of their attorneys. Allowing parties to vent and clear the air often enables them to move forward and do the work at hand. I feel, however, it is the mediator's responsibility to maintain a sense of decorum and use the parties' time wisely. R. Pearce

Perhaps. Venting needs to be expressed in an appropriate manner that doesn't derail the mediaiton. It can be helpfyl to let people express things they may have never been able to say before and often they can move past it to get to work on the issues. if they are using it as an opportunity to berate the other party without any beneficial purpose in the mediation, then I recommend not going there. It's a judgment call for the mediator baed on style, insights into the parties and trusting instincts. K.Robinson

Some mediators do allow parties to "express their opinion" at the beginning of the mediation. One (family) mediator begins the session stating, "I am sure each of you feel that the other person has wronged you in some way. I will allow each of you five minutes to express yourself in a respectful manner to the other person, and then we will be moving on to the issues that concern your children." The mediator believes people seem ocntent after stating their minds to then put the personal issues behind them and begin formulating a parenting plan for the children. It seems to go smoother beuase they have "said it" and gotten the issue off their chest. C.Harbour

Yes, it is frequently helpful. The challenge for a mediator is to channel that energy, communication, frustrations. Observe both parties, learn and discern hidden agendas, and look for common interests. Help the parties embrace conflict. E. ver Dught

Venting is an important part of the mediation process. It can't be the only part. Venting needs to be like a slowly kinda-but-not yet- but almost whistling tea pot. Something is happening and changing, just not an annoying screaming whistle. Benting needs to be purposeful, as in heating and cooling. Mediators must be the thermostate. Zenmed8r