Questions, answered plainly.

It's a structured, facilitated conversation between the person who experienced harm and the person responsible. The goal is an honest discussion about what happened, what the impact has been, and what can be done to move forward. It's led by an accredited facilitator and focuses on outcomes that matter to the people involved, not just the legal system.

Yes. Both parties have to agree to take part, and either can withdraw at any point before or during the process. No one is compelled into it.

Court focuses on establishing facts and applying legal consequences. Restorative justice focuses on the people - giving the person harmed a chance to be heard, and the person responsible a chance to take genuine responsibility. It can run alongside a legal matter, not instead of it.

Almost everyone is nervous beforehand - that's completely normal. People sometimes imagine it'll be touchy-feely, and it isn't. Lauren's process is flexible and led at a pace that works for you. She's not a judge: you won't get in trouble for interrupting, asking a question, or needing a break. Most people find their nerves settle during the intake conversation, and settle further once they're in the room. Many are surprised by how much it helps to finally talk things through - some find it quite therapeutic.

Yes. It only works when the person responsible is genuinely willing to accept responsibility for what they did and the impact it had. If someone disputes their involvement, takes issue with their guilt, or wants to blame the other party, it isn't the right process - and Lauren will tell you so honestly rather than push ahead.

Most clients come through a lawyer, but you don't have to. Lauren works comfortably alongside legal representatives and is happy to speak with you directly either way.

Yes. Lauren is trained in trauma-informed practice, which means she works in a way that recognises many people come to this process after something difficult. In practice that means careful preparation, a flexible pace, the freedom to pause or take a break, and attention to how people are coping - so the process stays safe rather than making things harder.

Lauren only. There's no support staff or junior facilitators - the parties and their lawyers deal with her directly, can reach her when they need to, and have a facilitator who knows the matter intimately.

Yes, regularly. Online mediations work well, and plenty of people prefer them - sometimes because it means not having to be in the same room as the other party. In-person across Queensland is also available.

Across Queensland. There's no travel charge within the Brisbane metro area; for regional matters, reasonable travel costs apply. Online is always an option.

Lauren provides a fee schedule once you begin discussing a possible mediation, so you'll have a clear picture before committing to anything. Travel within Brisbane metro isn't charged; travel outside Brisbane is. Reaching out for an initial conversation doesn't commit you to anything.

It depends on the matter and the parties. Lauren will give you a realistic sense of timing once she understands your situation - she doesn't rush people, and the process moves at a pace that works.

Yes. Enquiries and the process itself are treated as confidential.

Her depth is in criminal law and restorative justice. She also offers workplace mediation and legal culture and wellness consulting.