Central to mediation is the concept of "informed consent." As long as participants understand the nature of a contemplated mediation process and effectively consent to participate in the described process, virtually any mediation process is possible and appropriate. In terms of generally describing the mediation process, the following concepts may be helpful.

Mediation is:
Voluntary
You can end the process at any time for any reason, or no reason.
Collaborative
You are encouraged to work together to solve your problem(s) and to reach what you perceive to be your fairest and most constructive agreement.
Controlled
You have complete decision-making power. Each of you has a veto over each and every provision of any mediated agreement. Nothing can be imposed on you.
Confidential
Mediation is a confidential conversation that occurs among the participants and the mediator. The purpose of confidentiality is to encourage full sharing of information and creativity in generating options to increase the likelihood of resolution without fear that ideas or remarks will be later be used against participants.
Impartial, Neutral, Balanced and Safe
The mediator has an equal and balanced responsibility to assist each mediating party and cannot favor the interests of any one party over another, nor should the mediator favor a particular result in the mediation. The mediator's role is to ensure that parties reach agreements in a voluntarily and informed manner, and not as a result of coercion or intimidation.
Self-Responsible and Satisfying
By being actively involved in your own conflict, participant satisfaction, likelihood of compliance and self-esteem are found by research to be elevated through mediation.