The mediation process is designed to help improve communication between people who have decided to separate, or who have already separated. It is not designed to help couples who are hoping to mend their relationship. On the other hand, two people can use mediation to discuss whether they should now be considering separation or divorce and, if so, what should happen next. In a number of situations, the mediator may suggest relationship counselling or other forms of help and support, for example, if a couple wants to improve their relationship after separation or if they are now reconsidering the decision to separate.