The potential for conflict is everywhere, and escalation and high conflict behaviours are almost unavoidable for many professionals working in conflict resolution. Mediators, and allied professionals, working with parties involved in potentially high conflict mediations need to understand and manage complexity, emotional intensity, and challenges that may arise during a mediation.

Using a trauma informed practice perspective, this course prepares mediators to manage aspects of high conflict mediations, including safety screening, dealing with parties experiencing poor mental health, addictions and substance use issues, strong emotions, and challenging behaviours associated with personality disorders.   Mediators will be equipped with the tools to determine whether to proceed and, if so, to mediate what can be high conflict discussions.

Cost:

Option 1: Understanding High Conflict

• Members: $750 + GST
• Non-members: $850 + GST

Option 2: High Conflict Mediation: Managing Conflict & Complexity in Mediation

• Members: $1100 + GST
• Non-members: $1300 + GST

Course Details:

Students can choose to take the 14-hour or 28-hour course. Visit the  High Conflict Mediation course page for more information.

This course will be presented online. In order to participate in this format, students must be available during session times listed without distraction. In addition, students require a strong internet connection, a computer with a webcam, and a microphone.

Attendance for all sessions is mandatory.

Option 1: Understanding High Conflict (14 hours)

In addition to class hours/live sessions, students can expect to spend about 2 hours per week on reading and 1 hour per week on activities to prepare for live sessions.

Includes: Course manual and course videos/links, access to the forum, four live sessions.

Requires full attendance and participation in all live sessions. A letter of attendance for “Understanding High Conflict” will be issued upon request.

Pre-requisite: Students must have completed mediation training (preferably interest-based mediation). The expectation is that students are already comfortable mediating, as this course does not teach basic mediation (this is an advanced course).

Option 2: High Conflict Mediation: Managing Conflict & Complexity in Mediation (28 hours)

In addition to class hours/live sessions, students can expect to spend about 2 hours per week on reading and 1 hour per week on activities to prepare for live sessions.

Assignments will take approximately 8-12 additional hours – this depends on learning style and on whether you are currently practicing or just starting out. Students will also be required to participate in a 75-minute role-play.

Includes: Course manual and course videos/links, access to the forum, five live sessions, one role-play, coach feedback on role-play and self-assessment assignment, marking of the portfolio.

Requires full attendance and participation in all live sessions; completion of all assignments (self-reflection post, role-play and self-assessment, portfolio). A Certificate for “High Conflict Mediation: Managing Conflict & Complexity in Mediation” will be issued upon successful completion of this course. This course is also part of the Separation and Divorce Mediation Certificate Program.

Pre-requisite: Students must have completed interest-based mediation training. The expectation is that students are already comfortable mediating, as this course does not teach basic mediation (this is an advanced course).