About The Place Between
Helping people turn conflict into collaboration.
The Place Between helps people and businesses resolve disputes calmly and constructively. My focus is on finding practical, workable solutions that allow you to move forward with clarity and respect.
I provide expert, impartial mediation for a wide range of civil, commercial and workplace disputes. By bridging the gap between disagreement and resolution, I offer a confidential and cost-effective alternative to litigation. My goal is to achieve fair settlements that protect your personal, professional, and commercial interests.
Based in East Sussex, I serve clients across the South East, including Kent, Surrey, West Sussex, and London. Services are also available online across the UK and internationally, in both English and French.
MEET VALERIE
Valerie Couillard – Mediator & Conflict Resolution Specialist
I am a CEDR-accredited and CMC-registered mediator with experience across a broad range of disputes. As a qualified lawyer and member of the Quebec Bar (Canada), I combine legal training with practical negotiation experience to help people communicate clearly and find solutions that last.
My approach is calm, structured, and pragmatic. I use facilitative techniques and evaluative insights to help parties clarify misunderstandings, explore realistic options, and reach durable agreements. My background in international law and human rights has equipped me to navigate complex negotiations and ensure every voice is heard.
From workplace and commercial disagreements to community and home renovation disputes, I create a safe and professional environment where we can move from conflict to collaboration. I am fully bilingual (English/French) and offer mediation and conflict coaching throughout the UK and internationally.
key SERVICES AND EXPERIENCE
I offer a flexible suite of alternative dispute resolution (ADR) services designed to achieve early and effective settlement. My aim is to provide practical, future-focused solutions that protect your relationships and commercial interests.
My services include:
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Civil & Commercial Mediation: Expert dispute resolution for workplace, contract, small business, and professional service disagreements.
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Conflict Prevention: Helping clients identify potential friction points early to establish clear communication and expectations before issues arise.
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Conflict Coaching: One-to-one support to help you develop negotiation skills or prepare for difficult conversations.
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Home Renovation Disputes: Specialist mediation for homeowners and contractors, drawing on my hands-on experience in this area.
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Facilitated Settlement Discussions: Chairing confidential meetings to help parties formalise agreed terms.
By engaging my services, you can avoid the high costs and stress of litigation while retaining control over the outcome.
core dispute types
How I can help
I help individuals and organisations resolve the issues that can cause personal and professional strain. My expertise covers a wide range of disputes, and I focus on achieving viable outcomes that work in the real world.
I resolve disputes concerning:
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Commercial & Contract: Disagreements over service agreements, supplier contracts, payment issues, and partnership disputes.
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Community & Interpersonal: Disputes between neighbours, within family businesses, or in other community settings.
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Professional Services: Disagreements involving consultants, designers, and other professional advisors.
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Property & Renovation: Issues between homeowners and contractors, including delays, quality, and payment. My direct experience in home renovation provides unique insight into these matters.
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Workplace & Employment: Conflicts between colleagues, team disputes, and communication breakdowns.
Common Mediation Questions
Mediation is a confidential process where I, as a neutral third party, help you find a practical solution together. Unlike a judge, I do not impose a decision. I facilitate a structured negotiation, which is often faster and more cost-effective than court proceedings.
Mediation is effective at any stage but works best when used early to prevent positions from hardening. It can help preserve relationships and allow all parties to move forward constructively.
It is significantly shorter than litigation. While preparation may take a week or two, many disputes can be successfully resolved in a single day of mediation, saving valuable time and resources.
Yes. The entire process is conducted on a "without prejudice" basis, meaning anything discussed cannot be used in future court proceedings. This creates a safe space for open and honest negotiation.
Mediation is a cost-effective alternative to legal action. I typically offer fixed fees for cost certainty. Parties usually agree to split the fee equally.
If a settlement is reached, the terms are written down in a formal settlement agreement. Once signed by all parties, this document becomes a legally binding contract, providing a final and enforceable resolution to the dispute.
Yes. While based in East Sussex, I regularly mediate in London, Kent, Surrey, and West Sussex. I also offer online mediation across the UK and internationally.
The first step is to get in touch to book a confidential, no-obligation exploratory call. This allows us to understand the nature of your dispute and discuss how our property dispute resolution services can help you find a way forward.
Let’s find a constructive way forward.
Book a confidential call to see how I can help you with your situation.
Seaford, East Sussex, BN25