Resolving Conflict with Hodgson Mediation
Couples Mediation in Queens Brooklyn & New York City
A calm, structured space to talk things through—whether you want to stay together or decide what’s next.
Couples mediation is for partners who care about each other but feel stuck. Instead of arguing in circles or shutting down, mediation gives you a neutral, forward-focused space to speak honestly, be heard, and make clear decisions about your relationship.
Who is this for?
This service is for couples who:
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Want to stay together but keep getting pulled into the same arguments
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Feel distant, resentful, or misunderstood and don’t know how to restart the conversation
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Are considering separation or divorce but aren’t sure if that’s the right next step
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Need help talking through specific issues—money, trust, intimacy, family, or major life changes
You don’t have to know exactly what outcome you want. Couples mediation is a place to sort that out together.
Common Situations & Pain Points
Many couples come to mediation feeling:
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Stuck in repeating conflicts that never really resolve
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Afraid that one honest conversation might “blow everything up”
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Exhausted by communication that turns into blame, defensiveness, or withdrawal
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Unsure whether to stay, separate, or “press pause” on big decisions
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Disconnected emotionally or physically, but still caring about each other
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Worried about how conflict is affecting children, family, or shared responsibilities
If any of this sounds familiar, mediation can help you slow things down and talk in a more productive way.
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does couples mediation cost, and how is it different from therapy or going to lawyers?
My current rate for couples mediation is $100 per hour, or portion thereof. Most sessions are 90 minutes, so a typical session is $150 total, shared between both of you.
Unlike therapy, mediation is more structured and focused on specific issues, decisions, and agreements rather than long-term emotional treatment. And unlike working with separate lawyers, you’re not each paying different hourly rates to argue through representatives. You share the cost of one neutral professional who is there to help both of you talk things through, understand each other better, and make practical, forward-focused plans.
Do we have to already agree on whether we’re staying together or separating?
No. Many couples come to mediation unsure about the future of their relationship. You might feel hopeful, hesitant, or completely torn. Mediation gives you a place to talk openly about what’s working, what isn’t, and what each of you needs—without having to commit to a final decision right away.
Is couples mediation the same as couples therapy?
No. Couples therapy focuses on deeper emotional patterns, past experiences, and healing work over time. Mediation is more practical and structured. We focus on specific issues—such as communication, money, trust, or day-to-day responsibilities—and work toward clearer understanding and concrete agreements. Some couples choose to do both: therapy for emotional healing, and mediation for structured conversations and decision-making.
Can we still see a therapist while we do mediation?
Absolutely. Mediation and therapy can support each other. Many couples use therapy to process feelings and history, and mediation to have more focused conversations about specific decisions, habits, or boundaries. If you’re already working with a therapist, we can be mindful of that work and make sure mediation complements it.
How many sessions will we need?
It depends on your goals and how stuck you feel right now. Some couples come for just a few sessions to address one or two specific issues. Others choose to work a bit longer as they rebuild trust, practice new communication patterns, or make big decisions about their future. Early on, we’ll talk about what you hope to get out of mediation so you have a realistic sense of the likely timeframe.
What if things get too emotional or tense in the session?
Strong emotions are a normal part of couples work. My role is to keep the space calm, structured, and respectful. If things become too heated, we can slow the conversation down, take a break, or reset ground rules. The goal is not to avoid emotion, but to make sure it doesn’t take over so that both of you can still feel heard and stay connected to what really matters.
