The “What-If?” Scenarios
{4 minutes to read} One of the most important functions I can perform for my divorcing clients is to help them work through the various “What If?” scenarios as they make their decisions in mediation. A “What If?” scenario is an exploration of various possible outcomes to a question that has been raised in regard to an important issue. Exploring the options will facilitate reaching the best decision for a couple.
Life Lessons from a Knee Operation – Part 2
{4 minutes to read}
…Knee bone connected to the thigh bone
Thigh bone connected to the hip bone
Hip bone connected to the back bone
Back bone connected to the shoulder bone
Shoulder bone connected to the neck bone
Neck bone connected to the head bone
Now hear the word of the Lord…
Life Lessons from a Knee Operation – Part 1
{5 minutes to read}
My body has been teaching me a very powerful lesson that I am still in the process of deciphering. Although my thoughts are still percolating, I’d like to share my initial challenges and insights with you, my readers.
This part of my journey started about 4 months ago when I had an operation to have total knee replacement on both of my knees.
Teaching Children to Have Healthy Arguments
{2:48 minutes to read}
These increasingly tense political times have ushered in a period of animosity and lack of discourse that is distressing to many people, including those of us who work in the field of conflict resolution. During this past year, I’ve been thinking quite a bit about how we can maintain our humanity and civility while we are constantly being battered (from our President on down) with displays of abusive and self-serving conduct.
Empathy or Sympathy: What’s the Difference?
{2:54 minutes to read} With all the conflict and negativity in the world right now, I feel like a refresher blog on the subject of empathy is in order. I came upon this short video, The Power of Empathy, four years ago. It continues to be as delightful and fresh as when it first appeared. And, it accomplishes its task in only 3 short minutes of viewing time! So I invite you to click on the image below, enjoy the video, and then continue with the rest of my article.
It’s That Time of Year for Getting Engaged or Getting Divorced
{3:06 minutes to read} There are two trends that occur at the end of each year, and into the beginning months of the following year. One has to do with the demise of a marriage, and the other with the commitment to marry. While these are clearly opposite aspects of “coupled” life, they share a common factor that influences the outcome of each.
Chinese Insights on the Art of Listening
{3:24 minutes to read} During the holidays especially, we all seem to be doing more while at the same time finding less time and patience to accomplish what needs to be done. Our interactions and conversations with family, friends and others can end up being strained and less productive than usual. So I thought this was a good opportunity to re-introduce some concepts I’ve written about before on the subject of Active Listening.
What is the Difference Between Co-Parenting and Parallel Parenting?
{3:12 minutes to read} There are two basic concepts that describe the way in which parents raise their children following a divorce. These approaches are significantly different, and in fact, are at opposite ends of the parenting spectrum. One approach is referred to as Cooperative Parenting and the other as Parallel Parenting.
What are the Foundational Requirements for Mediation?
{2:48 minutes to read} When you take it down to the bare bones, there are really only two essential elements that must be present in order for a mediation to be viable and ultimately productive: Willingness to Dialogue and Full Disclosure.
Willingness to Dialogue
First, there needs to be a basic willingness to come together and talk to each other.
5 Key Elements of the Mediation Process
{2:48 minutes to read} There are two principal aspects to the role a mediator plays when helping couples going through divorce mediation. One has to do with the process and the other has to do with the substance.
Process relates to the framework and ground rules that are established by the mediator so that the necessary conversations can take place and move along, ultimately to resolution.
