Is mediation and counselling the same thing?

It is a common misconception that mediation and counselling are one and the same thing, but they are not.  Counselling is about you and your relationship.  It can help couples understand and deal with their feelings and emotions. Sometimes it can assist parties to address their difficulties where they have decided to give the relationship another go. 

Mediation on the other hand, is about assisting parties to come to mutually acceptable decisions on certain issues arising from the break-up, such as property, finances and children. It is a process of negotiation to help parties find a solution that meets all of your needs including any children.  At the end of the day it is about coming to an arrangement that everyone can live with.