Definitions of mediation and facilitation differ greatly. Brisbane Dispute Resolution views them as two seperate processes.

In both facilitation and mediation, a person is assigned to manage the process of communicating and decision making; however, facilitation aims to help individuals and groups reach an agreement from the beginning of the process, before a conflict arises. Mediation is usually used when a conflict exists, and negotiations are unsuccessful and a solution can not be reached.

Facilitation usually involves parties who are not so much in dispute as in a state of potential dispute.

They wish to engage in dialogue in order to achieve harmony of viewpoint.

Often there is tension between their viewpoints.

Sometimes there are interpersonal or other relationship difficulties.

The role of the facilitator is to ensure as best as possible that the discussions between the parties are as constructive as possible.

The objective of the discussions is directed towards achieving better understandings in order to make sense of what has occurred, avoid future disputes or to path the way for future detailed agreement.

Sometimes joint counselling is a form of facilitation.