This webinar is designed (primarily) for family mediators working with separating/divorcing parents. The webinar’s content provides a framework for the initial, individual meeting held with each parent. The framework is organized around themes of information gathering and information sharing pertinent to a mediator’s demonstration of neutrality, impartiality, and the preservation of the parties’ self -determination within the process. Each theme encompasses a number of ‘threads’ that are woven throughout the private discussion with each parent to establish a foundation of common understanding and trust between the mediator and each party prior to bringing them together in mediation. This ‘first meeting’ approach is strictly specific to family dynamics that involve children. The root of all threads is the Best Interest of Child (BIOC) and assisting parents to remain child-focused and forward thinking as they navigate the terrain of family change.
Ayne Meiklem is a long-standing certified member of FMC and has been practicing mediation since the late 1990s, shifting from a private civil practice to family mediation in 2001. In 2007, on behalf of the British Columbia Family Justice Services Division and in conjunction with Mediate BC (formerly the BC Mediator Roster) Ayne participated in the research and development of the ‘first-ever’ provision of online mediation services to families living remotely and otherwise unable to access service in BC.
The evaluated success of this project gave rise to the Distance Services program within BC Family Justice Services Division and was expanded to include all areas of the province in 2010. Ayne went on to train others within the division in the provision of online mediation and to become the Distance Services Program Coordinator providing support to the Division’s roster of distance mediators. Also, on behalf of the BC’s Family Justice Services Division, Ayne participated in the development and piloting of the Children-In-Mediation program in 2008. Positive evaluations of this program resulted in its expansion to all BC families attending mediation at BC Family Justice Centres. Now retired from the public sector, Ayne continues her practice online. She remains passionate about both her work with families and the societal shift away from adversarial processes - toward the preservation of family as a safe and nurturing foundation through all of life’s changes.
These trainings are available on our teachable platform and can be purchased and completed at any time.
Webinar: Power in Mediation
Join eminent lawyer, mediator and instructor, Brad Mustard in this 1.5-hour webinar focusing on how to understand and balance power and respond effectively and ethically in a family mediation context.
Webinar: Mindful Mediation in a Multi-Cultural World
Join eminent family lawyer and dispute resolution expert, Brad Mustard and international specialist in cross cultural mediation, Dr. Mohamed Keshavjee in this 2.5-hour multi-session presentation.
Presentation A – Brad Mustard, LL.B, LLM
Introduction to Cultural Awareness in Mediation
Learning Objectives:
Acquiring a culturally educated lens
Recognizing bias
Understanding cultural patterns- i.e. low and high context communication, low power distance high power distance)
Learning practical mediation interventions when working with the dynamics of culture
Presentation B – Dr. Mohamed Keshavjee, LLM, PhD (Lon)
Cross Cultural Challenges from a Family Mediation Perspective: from War-Torn Afghanistan to Post-Apartheid South Africa
Learning Objectives:
Complement Brad Mustard’s presentation by highlighting some real-life experiences.
Show how the present global model based on a Western, problem solving, satisfaction seeking, individualistic paradigm needs suitable adaptation to work in societies that are more relational.
Summary of the approaches that were taken to modify and apply the model successfully over a ten-year period in some 25 countries of the world.
Webinar: Moving Towards Solutions – Interests Behind Positions
A 2-hour webinar focusing on strategies for helping your clients reach solutions in mediation. There is a basic human tendency to get stuck on positions. There are underlying motivations, wants, values and incentives behind these positions. When exposed, the span of potential resolutions dramatically increases, but sometimes it can be difficult to get people to open up as to those interests for a variety of reasons. We will discuss various methods that help the mediator spot issues blocking interests from being expressed; mining for interests behind positions; and inventing multiple options with mutual gains. Rhoda’s bio at registration link below.
Webinar: Preparing Mediation Reports with Rhoda I. Dobler, Q.C. (2 hours)
This webinar will address the various approaches to writing mediation reports/memoranda. Many different styles have evolved, sometimes driven by the issues in dispute or even the professional background of the mediator. We seldom receive opportunities to review the numerous styles and approaches to report preparation. In this webinar many different approaches to mediation report writing will be discussed and shared to increase understanding and to further develop report writing skills. We will examine the components of a mediation report and identify some tips to effectively communicate agreements reached, as well as pitfalls to avoid in written reports. Rhoda’s bio at registration link below.
Webinar: A Scholarly Review of Mediation Models – Dr. Desmond Ellis (1.5 hours)
There is great diversity in the field of family mediation today. The co-presence of a variety of family mediation models presents practicing family mediators with the choice of using one model – the one they were trained to use – or use contributions from more than one model. This webinar is designed to help practicing family mediators ground their choice in a comparison and evaluation of the following four influential models of mediation: INTEREST BASED, TRANSFORMATIVE, THERAPEUTIC, and INSIGHT. Dr. Ellis will provide an overview of each of these models, focusing on the “Heart of each Model” and “Noteworthy Concerns of the Model”.
Webinar: Solution Focused Conflict Management – Dr. Fredrike P. Bannink MDR
The webinar will provide a short presentation of the theory of SF conflict management. Some practical tools and four basic solution focused questions are introduced which you can use as a mediator, manager or coach to resolve conflict and develop collaborative relationships. After the webinar the attendants will be able to: use some SF techniques and refine their own practice, build positive emotions and hopeful and optimistic conversations, and invite participants to reach their preferred future.
Webinar: The Divorce Act Amendments – Four Months Later – Honourable Nancy Flatters, QC, LL.B., LL.M.
This three-part webinar series examines the operation of the Amendments to the Divorce Act since implementation on March 1, 2021, and impact on obligations and practice for mediators, legal practitioners and other professionals working with families and children experiencing divorce.
Webinar: How Does Divorce Affect Kids? 4 Decades of Research – Donald T. Saposnek, Ph.D.
This webinar will explore the short-term and long-term effects of divorce on children that have been empirically researched over the course of forty years. We will examine the wide range of findings that have drawn diametrically opposed conclusions, from “children of divorce are resilient and do just fine” to “children of divorce are forever damaged goods.” The credibility of these various research efforts will be explored, leading to a synthesis of the findings to help the divorce practitioner find their bearings on this important topic.
Basic Family Mediation 40 hours, asynchronously – Michael Saini, Ph.D.
In the last two decades, there has been a growing emphasis on alternative dispute resolution services to complement the court process and to assist families in resolving family law conflict after separation and divorce. The demand for family mediation is expected to increase with the recent changes to the Divorce Act. Expanding family mediation within family courts has the potential of increasing settlement options for families and helping families move more efficiently through the court process.
Elder Mediation Training Course – Part One with Judy M. Beranger and guests
A 20-hour asynchronous training package approved by both Family Mediation Canada (FMC) and the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN)
What Is Elder Mediation?
What does that term really mean, and does it have a legitimate claim on impacting a reduction in the incidence of elder abuse and neglect? Elder Mediation is a process in which a professionally trained Elder Mediator utilizes a “mediation process model” to address issues and concerns involving an older adult. In some cases, an older adult who is vulnerable may be at the heart of the mediation but in other cases the mediation might be called to reduce or prevent vulnerability of the older person.
Elder Mediation is based on a wellness model that promotes a person-centred approach for all participants; it is mindful of the older person(s) while respecting the rights of each person participating. Regardless of the numbers present, each person is unique with his or her own narrative, intrinsic value, strengths, and weaknesses. Through the Elder Mediation lens, aging is viewed as part of a continuing process of development and change, rather than just a period of physical and cognitive decline.
What to expect in the course…
This Elder Mediation Training is a specialized course with 20-hours of training that includes, lectures, interviews, activities, role plays, video demonstrations and readings. Utilizing a person-centered and trauma informed model, the course will share with participants many of the skills, knowledge and competencies required to be an effective Elder Mediator. Upon completion of the 20 hours a complementary coaching session with the presenter is being offered.
Note: The current offering is Part One of a 40-hour course – the balance of the training will be released in early 2023.
Topics will include:
Impact of Ageism in all its forms; “isms” generally
Cultural diversity & building cultural awareness
Recognizing & responding to elder abuse & neglect
Screening – indicators, signs and symptoms
Safety planning & referral sources
Ongoing Balance of Power,
Building/maintaining trust
Addressing subtleties of control; inclusive language
Ethics and ethical issues weaved throughout
Elder Mediation practice guidelines
Elder Mediator competency & basic understanding of brain health
Impact of trauma and high conflict personality types
Who should attend:
Those wishing to learn about Elder Mediation, wills and estate mediators; psychologists, physicians, nurses and other health care professionals, social workers, lawyers practicing in the area of elder law, wills, estates and trusts. This training may also be of interest to other professions who are interested in mediation generally and in working with age related matters.
Judy M. Beranger, MA, Cert.EM Advanced; Cert.CFM Advanced
is recognized as a world leader in the field of Elder Mediation. In 2012 Judy wrote a report for Justice Canada on Exploring the Role of Elder Mediation in the Prevention of Elder Abuse. Judy is an inspiring and knowledgeable mediator and trainer and was the drafter of the Code of Ethics for Elder Mediators internationally. She has been involved with every subsequent update and helped write an additional supporting document: Safeguarding Vulnerable Adults. Judy developed the entire Elder Mediation Certification framework and process for Elder Mediators and did so over a two-year period with input from hundreds of people, including focus groups from a variety of countries along with Family Mediation Canada (FMC), other organizations, networks, and Societies. During those years she predicted that Elder Mediation could change the face of health and social care as we know it. Judy is President of FMC and a Past President of the Elder Mediation International Network (EMIN).
FMC has embarked on a mentorship program. We are now seeking experienced, advanced, certified mediators who will work part-time to act as mentors for FMC Certification candidates.
Advertise with FMC
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Contact Sue at admin@fmc.ca
