In this episode of the Divorce Curious Show, host Lisa Mitchell engages in a candid conversation with mediator Hillary Sharpnack about the complexities of divorce and the mediation process. They explore Hillary's unique journey into mediation, the philosophy of 'divorce without destruction', and the importance of same-room mediation. The discussion highlights common misconceptions about mediation, the emotional landscape of divorce, and practical steps for those considering their options. Listeners are encouraged to gather information and explore mediation as a viable alternative to traditional divorce proceedings.

Hillary Sharpnack Bio:
If you asked Hillary what one word she would hope others would use to describe her, it would be “Peacemaker” — not to be confused with “Peacekeeper.” Peacemaking actively confronts conflict and tension, whereas peacekeeping avoids conflict to maintain peace. No matter the conflict type, Hillary works passionately as a Mediator to tackle and ultimately resolve conflict by first identifying the issues, discerning the underlying interests of all involved, and finally determining solutions that address the issues AND accommodates the interests.

Before family mediation, Hillary worked extensively in Human Resources for a large construction and mining company at the business unit and corporate level. Interestingly, Hillary encountered the exact two job requirements in every role she worked within the company — conflict management and resolution.

Through her corporate and educational experience, Hillary discovered a passion for solving problems and resolving conflicts in ways that establish positive relationships, thus beginning her path to becoming a mediator.

In 2018, Hillary graduated from Abilene Christian University with a master’s degree in Conflict Resolution and Reconciliation. As part of her practicum work within her master’s program, she had the opportunity to teach conflict resolution and mediation skills to college-level students in South Africa. The class focused on resolving disputes in various settings, including family, church, workplace, and community.

Resolution Mediation’s approach to mediating allow Hillary to serve others on a personal level in helping to resolve conflict without destruction to the relationship.

Takeaways

• Mediation is a collaborative process focused on family needs.
• Divorce without destruction emphasizes minimizing harm during divorce.
• Same-room mediation allows couples to communicate directly.
• Many people are unaware of mediation as an option.
• Expectations of entitlement can hinder the mediation process.
• Mediation is not suitable for those seeking to punish their spouse.
• Gathering information is crucial for making informed decisions.
• Mediation can be just as thorough as traditional litigation.
• Understanding the emotional context is vital in divorce.
• The mediator's role is to facilitate communication and understanding.

Learn more about Resolution Mediation

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