Workshop Abstract:
Psychologists and other mental health professionals working with people undergoing a divorce and/or custody action as a neutral Mediator or Coach in a Collaborative Divorce process, must learn when the process should be terminated.
This panel discussion by well-experienced professionals from the mental health, legal and financial professions will address issues of concern in these divorce processes. Concentration will be on things to look for during intake; red flags during the process, such as questioning the neutrality of the Mediator or Coach; non-compliance with rules of the process; and recognition that the structure of the process is no longer adhered to, for example, engaging in shuttle diplomacy or creating an ill-defined hybrid while still operating under the original Agreement to Mediate (ATM) or the Collaborative Participation Agreement (CPA).
The panel will address how to terminate the process according to the terms of the ATM and CPA and following the Standards and Ethics set forth by the IACP, APFM and CCND, as well as the specific Ethics of each profession.
Schedule:
8:30-9:00 Arrival/check in
9:00-9:05 Brief Welcome
9:05-9:30 Breakfast
9:30-11:30 Panel Discussion
11:30-12:00 Questions, post-discussion reflections
Objectives: By the end of the presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Understand and name at least 2 “red flags” indicating the process is breaking down.
2. Recognize at least 2 indications that impasse has truly occurred and when the process has broken down.
3. Identify 2 underlying personal emotions that prevent one from terminating the process.
4. Identify 2 underlying “team” (collaborative and co-mediation) emotions preventing termination.
5. State when and how to end the process as a Mediator or Co-Mediator.
6. State when and how to end the process as a neutral Collaborative team member.
7. State when to withdraw as a Collaborative Team member.