Who we are

Services

We offer a range of mediation services. These include family dispute resolution for separated couples seeking to resolve disputes regarding child custody, parenting arrangements and property settlements.

We also provide mediation services to industry (including government departments, local government, NFP groups, business, clubs & associations). Matters can include civil, commercial, council related issues including planning, wills and estates and disability. 

We also offer counselling for individuals, couples and families (including children and teens).

What is a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner?

A Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) is an independent, impartial person who assists separated or divorced couples to resolve disputes related to their separation - in particular regarding children's living arrangements and property. The FDRP assists through a process that guides the participants in clarifying the issues, understanding their origins and the differing perspectives of each party, to enable the identification of viable options for reaching mutually agreeable solutions. The process is also child focussed – meaning that in considering parenting arrangements, parents should focus on arrangements that are in the best interest of their children. The FDRP encourages greater involvement by both parents in the children's lives after separation; seek to ensure protection of children from violence and abuse and provides psychoeducation to help separated parents understand the source of their disputes. The FDRP helps the parties to improve their communication skills and ultimately provide a more healthy emotional environment (free of high parental conflict, violence or seriously dysfunctional behaviours) in which their children feel safe and have the opportunity to thrive.

Parenting Plans and Court Orders

Parenting plans, separation and/or financial agreements can then be prepared to document the agreed arrangements. The agreed arrangements can also be made legally binding through lodging an application with the Family Court for Consent Orders. We can assist with this process by ensuring the arrangements are worded correctly and lodge your application. 

Transparency and consistency in our service philosophy and delivery

We aim to provide transparency and consistency in our service philosophy and delivery.

Given that Family Dispute Resolution is a relatively new profession, research has shown that to date, there is little consistency in how the service is delivered or transparency in the philosophy held by individual practitioners. I believe it is important that new clients are aware of the practitioner's philosophy, practice procedures and method of delivery to ensure it fits with them comfortably so that the success of the process is maximised.

Our recent survey of the community has indicated what is important to clients to achieve from FDR or mediation. These include:

• understanding the problem
• help to find solutions to solve the problem, and
• learning new skills to resolve problems now and in the future.

Delivery methodology

Our delivery methodology varies according to client profile, disposition and situational needs, but underpinned by a broad range of scientifically proven processes and techniques learned through my training as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) and National Mediator Accreditation (NMAS), experience and background in psychology.

Philosophy

The philosophy that underpins our services is based on a range of therapeutic concepts. These include:

• Communication skills - a strong belief that effective communication techniques are key to developing understanding of each others points of view and successfully resolving conflict and solidifying relationships.
• Family Systems Theory - a sound knowledge of how individuals are shaped by biological, environmental and cultural factors is crucial in understanding values, beliefs, expectations and communication patterns between individuals.
• Psychodynamic, behavioral, cognitive, developmental and humanistic perspectives.