LOCATION:
    TBA - in either northern San Rafael or in southern Novato (Hamilton), CA            (17-20 miles north of San Francisco’s Golden Gate Bridge)

FEE:     $250 (Early Registration: $200 if by 12/24/10; $225 if by 1/7/11).

CE CREDITS:    MCLE & BBS (6.0 hours); MCEP (6.5 hours to be submitted for review to MCEPAA for approval, Provider #NOR045)

DESCRIPTION:
This workshop focuses on a collaborative conflict resolution model, called the B-E-A-R Process (Breathe, Empathize, Acknowledge, Respond), which provides a structured step-by-step sequence that can be used by mediators, couples therapists and divorce coaches who work with couples to break through impasses in high conflict situations. The B-E-A-R Process empowers those who use it by requiring each party to express their point of view respectfully and to listen carefully in order to demonstrate their understanding of the other’s perspective even though they may disagree. The process minimizes emotional volatility and balances any power differentials between the parties while maximizing their willingness to implement their agreements. The instructors will present an overview of how the model improves upon existing methods of resolving conflicts collaboratively along with a conceptual description of the specific communication skills used in the model. Demonstration of the use of the model in conflict situation will be provided and participants will practice using the B-E-A-R Process in triads with feedback from the instructors.

Who should attend: mediators, child specialists, therapists, custody evaluators, minor’s counsel, parenting coordinators, special masters, and court appointed therapists.