Foundations of Mediation for Mental Health Professionals
- Differentiating negotiation, mediation, arbitration, and conciliation
- Define goals and styles of mediation
- Key mediator skills
- Mediator responsibilities and role induction
Mediation Process: Step by Step
- Essential documents and office policies
- Preparation for successful mediation
- Create a collaborative environment
- Master the 5-step mediation process
- Craft agreements aligned with parties’ goals
- Resolve impasses through individual meetings
- Overcome common stuck points
- Conclude sessions confidently with clear next steps
Divorce, Mental Health, and Childhood Attachment
- Attachment theory and child development
- Emotional impacts on children and support strategies
- Age-specific custody plans with attachment in mind
- Effects of high marital conflict and negative behaviors
- Positive impacts of collaborative divorce
- Handling suicidal clients during divorce
Harnessing Motivational Interviewing in Mediation
- Overview and stages of Motivational Interviewing
- Using MI to identify values and goals
- Applying open-ended questions and reflective listening
- Avoiding pitfalls in conflict resolution
Managing High-Conflict Couples
- Analyze and contain conflict
- Address common conflict sources
- Deescalating anger and manage power imbalances
- Monitor and adjust faltering agreements
- Handle parent procrastination and changes
- Recognize process failure and termination
Working with Diverse Populations
- Address cultural biases and stereotypes
- Culturally responsive interventions
- LGBTQ+ coparent challenges
- Special needs child considerations
- Blended family dynamics
Real-World Practice & Application
- Case studies and examples
- Attracting mediation clients and pricing
- Manage burnout and professional liability
- Mediation limitations and referrals
After Mediation
- Co-parent counseling if needed
- Parenting plan maintenance and amendments
- Ongoing communication protocols
- Address lingering emotional issues
Laws & Ethics
- Understand family law and confidentiality
- Clarify neutral roles vs. advocates
- Avoid dual roles and ethical considerations
- Limitations




