It is important for the parties to be heard at mediation. However, giving everyone a joint forum to "air out" their feelings often polarizes & heightens emotions. Mediation can still serve as a place for the parties to express their feelings to the mediator, who can (and does) convey those feelings to the other side. Sometimes there is a right time to bring parties together for a specific purpose. This can be explored during mediation. Counsel may also want to try, in prepari