I always have benefited from knowing the history of subjects, so let me share a little on the history of mediation. Much like our legal system, mediation has its' roots in ancient Jewish law. The judges in ancient times, were to always try an attempt of mediating a solution first. If that did not work, they would then make a ruling. The reason for this was to "keep the peace of the community." 

The idea that mediation would help keep the peace came from two facts. Number one, if the parties found a solution they both could agree to, then both would be happy with that solution. Secondly, when a judge makes a decision, it is seldom completely for one side. When this happens, then neither side is very happy, thus causing contention in the community. 

With this perspective, how can you see mediation working in the clinical setting?