At this stage the parties begin the communication process, talking to each other while the mediator encourages expression (Mayer, Bernard, cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, p. 45 ). Here, the parties will make their opening statements, the mediator will begin to set the agenda and identify the parties' interests and issues (Mayer, Bernard, as cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, pg. 45). A facilitator mediator will establish a structure that allows each party to tell their individual stories and will act as a facilitator of communication. The task at this stage is to give the parties the opportunity to explain their problems and interests and for the mediator to listen carefully. This will continue throughout the mediation process. The action to complete this task is to allow the parties to meet with the mediator separately in the initial stages and then move to group sessions once both feel prepared and comfortable enough. A facilitator mediator will also frame and refine the issues discovered to get to the root or underlying issues (Mayer, Bernard, cited in Folberg, Milne, & Salem, 2004, p. 45). The result of the communication phase is that all parties have the opportunity to share their stories, explain their interests and concerns and feel encouraged to continue the collaboration.