Mindfulness-the power of Now
The notion that it is important to be centred, or internally balanced, to cope well with the stresses and pressures of life, is not new. Nor is the idea that to more effectively assist others to deal with conflict, it is crucial that we have developed self-reflection and learned to manage this ourselves. The ability…
Becoming a changemaker
During the last 30 years, I have often questioned what it means for me to be a lawyer-what do I stand for, and what are the values that are important to me? In hindsight I see that my answer to this question has been consistent, but the struggle to balance out my need to be…
Encouraging happier clients
As a professional working with families in conflict, our own presentation is crucial in assisting others to take control of their lives, deal with the conflict and move beyond this to a better place. If we can demonstrate the skill of happiness and long lasting wellbeing, based on inner peace and strength, then we are…
Understanding and dealing with the cycle of conflict
One of the striking aspects of observing and understanding conflict, is that a pattern often emerges unique to each individual and situation. Based on history of past experiences and perceptions, core beliefs, assumptions and biases are developed, that determine the reaction to a given situation. Over time these reactions become unconscious or intuitive, and entrenched…
Working with bias in mediation
Conflict can be viewed as the clash of values, core beliefs or biases. In assisting those in conflict we must first gain an appreciation of the nature of the conflict involved, and facilitate an understanding of this by those affected by the conflict, before there can be any transformation to a better way of dealing…
Lawyers as Change Maker
I hope you will join me at this wonderful workshop at the RACV Club on 12 April 2017 to explore the question-Are integrative models of legal practice now the most apt and sophisticated response when family and interpersonal conflict, including family violence, intersect with the law? I will be participating on the panel to discuss…
An integrated approach to conflict management for families
An integrated or holistic approach to conflict management implies a recognition and understanding of the complexity of conflict, and the willingness to work with other professionals with complimentary and specialist skills, to provide a comprehensive and unique approach to each situation. Not only should I be continually expanding and perfecting my own skills, but…
Donald Horne and the legacy from “The Lucky Country”
As a university student in the late 70s and early 80s, Donald Horne’s book “The Lucky Country” was well known to me. This week I had an opportunity to consider the legacy that Donald left behind. I found that although he spent much of his early life as a journalist and editor, he was in…
Keeping clients from being stuck in the past
When moving clients from a “stuck” position, I have found that some of the hardest things are to facilitate a sense of progress, and to prevent the client from slipping back into that stuck position between sessions or even in the one conversation. The Solution Focus approach provides some very useful tools to assist with…
Breakfast Networking Seminar 8 March 2017 7.00 am to 9.00 am
Have you been asked by clients to draft up an agreement for them and wondered which of the various options would be best? Have you worried about complying with the requirements of the legislation, and using the most appropriate language? These and other questions will be answered at our next Breakfast Networking Seminar when experts…