- This event has passed.
The Hearts and Minds of Working with Families in High Conflict: A Family Mediation Canada Webinar Series
January 28, 2020 @ 1:30 pm - 2:30 pm
Hosted by Michael Saini, PhD, MSW, RSW
Factor-Inwentash Chair in Law and Social Work
University of Toronto
This 4-part webinar series (one hour each webinar) will assist family mediators to engage with families involved in high conflict child custody disputes by exploring the connections of mediation with neuroscience, emotional regulation, adult attachment patterns, and fear-based relationships. Emotional awareness within the mediation process will be foundational to identify and repair errors in neutrality and engagement. Practical strategies for overcoming fear-based relationship conflicts and the concept of multi-partial alliances will be offered to help mediators convey empathy, engagement and emotional clarity. Reflecting on developments in neuro-principles and trauma-informed practice, the workshop will offer practical tips for developing responsive approaches to engage with clients.
Webinar 1, Tuesday, Jan. 28 – 1:30 PM ET: Understanding high conflict in the brain: Neuroscience, drama and trauma. This first webinar will introduce you to neuroscience and trauma. We will focus on the basic brain functions, the brain during conflict, brain communication and an introduction to neuromodulators.
Webinar 2, Wednesday, Feb. 26 – 1:30 PM ET: Understanding high conflict in the heart: Insecure and fearful adult attachment patterns.
The second webinar will focus on adult attachment (from cradle to grave), adult attachment patterns, primary and secondary emotions and the association of fearful attachment and conflict.
Webinar 3, Wednesday, March 25 – 1:30 PM ET: When mediators get stuck in high conflict: Moving from neutrality to multi-partial alliances. The third webinar will illustrate patterns of disengagement with high conflict parents. We will focus on multi-partial alliances and empathy, engagement and emotional clarity to connect with clients.
Webinar 4, Wednesday, April 29 – 1:30 PM ET: Reflections on working with families involved in high conflict: Lessons from neuroscience, conflict resolution and decision making in mediation Based on a summary from the first three webinars, this final webinar will be an interactive session with participants to consider practical strategies to connect neuroscience, conflict resolution and decision making in mediation. This last webinar will be an opportunity for participants to ask the facilitator questions and to expand on any area covered within the webinar series.
Click here to download the registration form: FMC webinar Saini registration form