Conflict Resolution
{3 minutes to read} When separating/divorcing couples or family members reach out to me for a consultation about the mediation process, they often ask “what happens if we get stuck?” It is not unusual for people to become deadlocked, especially if they have strong views about a particular issue: One parent wants Joanie to have…
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{2:25 minutes to read} Ram Dass, an American spiritual teacher and psychologist said: “We often think that vulnerability is a kind of weakness, but there’s a kind of vulnerability that is actually strength and presence.” People I see in my practice experiencing the pain of divorce, frequently have moments when they become tearful, fearful, or…
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In my mediation practice, I generally offer a preliminary consultation to couples so that they can get an understanding of the mediation process. At the end of it, I give them a list of the documents that they need to gather for their first appointment, but I never have given them a list of what…
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While most of my practice is related to divorce mediation, I never encourage people to get divorced. Divorce cannot be taken lightly and requires much thought, so when I first meet with couples, I always ask them if they have given themselves every chance to work things out together, and gone to marriage counseling. I…
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{3 minutes to read} Families in conflict or couples going through divorce often ask me how I manage to work day-in and day-out with people in constant disagreement and distress, yet still remain calm. Well, of course, the first thing that comes to mind is that I am not a party to the dispute. The…
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{2:30 minutes to read} Graduations, Bar/Bat Mitzvahs, First Communions, school performances: all events that children want their parents to attend together. But what happens when parents are at such odds with one another that it is “impossible” for them to be in the same room? It’s important to remember that: This is your child’s special…
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{5 minutes to read} Celebrating our children’s birthdays post-divorce can often create some practical and logistical issues as well as a lot of emotional stress. As parents, however, we need to remember that this is a special day for our children and put ourselves, our egos and our priorities to the side.
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An Interview with Juliet Cooper, Child Psychologist. {2:30 minutes to read} I recently met with Juliet Cooper, PsyD, a licensed psychologist trained to work with children, teens and their parents, particularly with those families who are experiencing major transitions such as divorce. How do you work with families? Each family dynamic is unique. The challenges…
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{4:06 minutes to read} In the early ‘60s, Marshall Rosenberg (1934-2015), an American psychologist, teacher and author, developed Nonviolent Communication, a process for supporting partnership and resolving conflict within people, in relationships, and in society. He worked as a peacemaker and founded the Center for Nonviolent Communication, an international non-profit organization for which he served…
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{3:18 minutes to read} Divorcing parents who choose to have joint legal custody of their children, i.e. joint decision making, are often concerned as to what happens if they disagree on issues regarding their children. I usually begin by reminding them that happily married parents may also disagree on whether the child should: Go to…
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