The power of language to create an image of hope.
What we say and how we say it has a profound impact on outcomes. Allowing clients to tell their story in their own words, asking open ended and clarifying questions, summarizing, paraphrasing and reframing-these are all essential skills that enable a picture of the conflict to be created to open the way forward and…
Capacity for good decision-making
As professionals in family law we are constantly required to make assessments about our clients, their ability at that time to make the best decisions for themselves and their children, and what would be the most useful way we can assist them at that stage of their journey. They come to see us in…
Insight from Shakespeare about the breakdown of relationships
400 years since Shakespeare died, yet his plays continue to have so much to say to us today! As I watched Othello on the weekend, I was astounded by the insight and wisdom that this play demonstrates about relationships and human nature. This is a tragedy that pushes relationships to a limit, and challenged…
Dispute Resolution-Where from and where to?
On 30 June I joined ADRA at the Australian Museum to celebrate their 30th anniversary. As a lawyer and mediator it was a great opportunity to explore the evolution of dispute resolution over this time, and consider where this movement has come from, and what position it has come to in this industry. Most importantly,…
Child focus- working together for good parenting outcomes?
In Family Dispute Resolution you have the great advantage of hearing the stories from both parents, and the opportunity to work with these to avoid the parents becoming entrenched and positional. Child focus moves the discussion away from the position and needs of the individual parents, and on to the child. The questions change from…
Attachment Theory-what it means and why it is important!
Professionals working with parents need to have a basic understanding of the social science research involving the impact of separation on children. This is a fluid and dynamic area, but there are some principles that appear to be well established. These enable us to help those we are working with to appreciate what is…
The Benefits of Patience & Teamwork
I am currently supporting ‘Alice’ in the resolution of parenting and financial issues arising from her separation approximately two years ago. Recently we reviewed her journey, and realized that it is a very good example of the benefits of a multidisciplinary approach to family disputes. Alice had been in a relationship for about 12…
Inspiration and insight from the classics
We all have teachers who had a profound influence on us that continues for life. My english teacher in my last year of school was just one of these! She encouraged us to read widely to increase our horizons and life experience. We all became avid readers! I heard on the weekend that we…