Finding a better way
Mediation and conflict resolution specialist
I’m Andrea O’Neil, a professional and experienced mediator, helping you resolve conflict at home and in the workplace.
Services
family
Support & Mediation
We are here to support and guide you through the difficult times. Giving you the tools to empower you to make change.
Schools
Support & Training
We facilitate mediation between staff, students and parents. Create a working and social environment for all.
workplace
Support, Training & Development
We provide custom training and development programmes for you and your employees, bringing balance to your worklife.
About Andrea O’Neill
Hello, I’m Andrea O’Neill, founder of ACON Resolutions. With over 20 years of experience, I am as passionate as ever about conflict resolution. I believe that mediation offers a transformative process to address, understand, listen to, and resolve conflicts. Conflict is a natural part of life, and through mediation, conflict coaching, and training, I am here to help you embrace it as an opportunity for growth and new beginnings.
On a personal level, I am a mother, wife, sister, aunt, friend, and community volunteer. I have extensive experience working with various organizations, both as an employee and a consultant. This means that, alongside my qualifications, I bring valuable life experience and a deep understanding of interpersonal and organizational conflict dynamics. At ACON Resolutions, my goal is to guide you towards a resolution while empowering you with a new perspective on conflict – one that sees it as a catalyst for positive change rather than something to be feared.
Accreditated MII mediator, a Masters in Mediation and Conflict Intervention, and certification as a CINERGY™ Conflict Management Coach.
Award-Winning Business
As President of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland, I was honoured to receive the Global Mediation Synergy Award for 2025. I remain committed to the growth and visibility of mediation and look forward to continuing my work with the Red Cross on the response to the war in Ukraine and developing other collaborative projects between the MII and other organisations. Find out more.
Let’s Grow!
Pave the way for building stronger relationships, finding mutually agreeable solutions, and moving forward with a renewed sense of trust and collaboration.
Being Happy
Resolving conflicts allows you to experience happiness and peace of mind. By addressing underlying issues, finding common ground, and fostering understanding, conflicts can be resolved in a way that promotes emotional well-being and harmonious relationships.
Fulfilling Potential
Conflict resolution empowers you to unlock your full potential. By resolving conflicts, you can focus your energy and efforts on personal and professional growth, enabling them to thrive and achieve their goals without the distractions and negative impacts of unresolved conflicts.
Making Changes
Resolving conflicts opens the door for positive change. It provides an opportunity to reassess behaviors, perspectives, and approaches, leading to personal development, improved communication skills, and the cultivation of healthier relationships. Conflict resolution allows individuals to break free from unproductive patterns and embrace new ways of interacting.
Finding Balance
Mediation provides a pathway to finding balance amidst conflict. By engaging in a neutral and facilitated process, you can regain a sense of equilibrium, fostering understanding, and finding common ground. Mediation offers a platform where parties can collaboratively explore solutions, enabling them to restore harmony, rebuild relationships, and create a sustainable balance moving forward.
My approach
Together We Will
As a conflict coach, I take on the role of a guide, leading you through the process of addressing and resolving conflicts. By providing a supportive and non-judgmental environment, I help you, individual and professional clients explore the underlying issues, perspectives, and emotions involved. Through active listening, effective communication techniques, and thought-provoking questions, I encourage self-reflection, empathy, and understanding. Working collaboratively with my clients, I facilitate the development of strategies and skills to navigate the conflict constructively. Ultimately, I empower you to take ownership of the resolution process, guiding them towards finding mutually acceptable solutions and fostering positive change in their relationships.
The Basis Of My Approach
Identify the essence of the problem
As a conflict resolution coach and mediator, my role in helping you identify the essence of the problem is crucial. Through active listening, empathetic understanding, and skilled questioning, I create a safe space for you to articulate your concerns and delve into the underlying issues. By exploring the root causes and underlying emotions behind the conflict, we can gain clarity and insight, paving the way for effective problem-solving and resolution. Together, we will peel back the layers and uncover the core elements of the conflict, allowing us to address them in a comprehensive and transformative manner.
i listen
In the pursuit of identifying the essence of the problem, I employ a systematic and practical approach as a conflict resolution coach and mediator. Firstly, I actively listen to all parties involved, allowing them to express their concerns, perspectives, and underlying needs. Secondly, I analyze the information gathered to discern the core issues at the heart of the conflict. This involves identifying patterns, triggers, and potential areas of miscommunication or unmet expectations. Lastly, I employ skilled questioning techniques to dig deeper into the underlying causes, encouraging self-reflection and facilitating a comprehensive understanding of the problem. By following this methodical process, I can guide individuals towards a clear and accurate identification of the essence of the conflict, setting the stage for effective problem-solving and resolution.
Emotional exchange
In the realm of emotional exchange, my expertise as a conflict resolution coach and mediator becomes invaluable. I provide a supportive environment where emotions can be expressed, acknowledged, and validated. By fostering open and respectful communication, I facilitate a constructive emotional exchange between parties involved in the conflict. Through this process, individuals gain a deeper understanding of each other’s perspectives, cultivating empathy and fostering a more compassionate connection. By addressing the emotional aspects of the conflict, we can navigate the complexities and work towards healing, allowing for a more productive and harmonious resolution.
Take your first steps towards resolution
As a professional mediator, I am your guide on this transformative path. With my expertise in conflict resolution, I create a secure and nurturing space where you can openly discuss your concerns, uncover underlying factors, and collaboratively discover solutions. Taking your first steps towards resolution means embracing the opportunity for growth, healing, and constructive change. Together, we will embark on this journey, facilitating a positive transformation in your relationships and paving the way for a harmonious future.
Your questions answered
What is mediation?
Mediation is a highly confidential process where a multi-partial third party (Andrea) called a mediator, assists disputing parties (you) in finding mutually agreeable solutions to their conflicts.
How does mediation work?
The mediator helps facilitate communication and guides the parties through discussions, encouraging them to share their perspectives, needs, and concerns. The goal is to reach a resolution that works for everyone involved.
What are the benefits of mediation?
Mediation offers a confidential and collaborative environment, empowers parties to make their own decisions, and often results in quicker and cost-effective resolutions compared to court processes.
How long does mediation take?
The duration of mediation varies based on the issue’s complexity and the parties’ willingness to collaborate. Some cases are resolved in a few hours, while others might require multiple sessions. The first step is the hardest. All mediation is highly confidential. To reach out and take the first step click here.
What if the parties cannot agree during mediation?
If an agreement isn’t reached, parties still retain the option to pursue other methods, such as arbitration or litigation, to resolve their dispute.
Is the mediator biased or on one party's side?
No, mediators are multi-partial facilitators. They do not take sides or make judgments. They assist and support all in productive communication and help parties find common ground.
What types of conflicts are suitable for mediation?
Mediation is effective for a wide range of disputes, including family matters, workplace conflicts, business disputes, and community issues, among others.
How confidential is mediation?
Mediation is highly confidential.
My ethos is rooted in fostering understanding, embracing growth, and empowering positive change.
We believe in the transformative power of effective communication, empathy, and collaboration. Our core values revolve around integrity, respect, and inclusivity, as we strive to create a safe and supportive environment for individuals and organizations to navigate conflicts and find mutually satisfactory resolutions. With a commitment to professionalism, compassion, and continuous learning, we are dedicated to guiding our clients towards harmonious relationships, personal development, and a brighter future.
We prioritize empathy and understanding, creating a safe and supportive space for clients to be heard and empowered.
We foster collaboration, empowering clients to actively participate in finding mutually beneficial solutions.
We believe conflicts can lead to growth and positive transformation, guiding clients towards valuable insights and stronger relationships.
Articles
My Journal
When the Volcano is ready to erupt!
When the Volcano is ready to erupt! The trigger has been pressed, you can feel the heat creeping up the back of your neck, your chest tighten, your jaw clench and your mind racing. Within milliseconds your brain is frantically searching its bank of experience and...