Hello everyone,
As follow-up to the discussion on high conflict couples, I would like to
thank those who have posted messages regarding the potential of the
interdisciplinary model. It is certainly our experience in Vancouver that
many high conflict couples can work effectively with an interdisciplinary
team to come to terms with each other and with themselves sufficiently to
remain viable as active participants in their separation and divorce
process, thereby avoiding third party arbitration.
Further, in high conflict the use of two divorce coaches, one for each
party,(as opposed to a neutral therapist or mediator) is critical. The
one-on-one relationship between coach and client is where a lot of the most
intense work is done, which then pays off in the coaching 4-ways and in the
lawyer 4-ways as well. We occasionally use 6-way meetings with lawyers,
coaches and clients as a sort of 'the buck stops here' kind of meeting.
They are very rare, usually only one per file. They are obviously expensive
hours. BUT they are very efficient hours, often resolving issues that have
been bouncing around costing the parties substantial fees in individual or
4-way sessions.
I wish I could say we can have this result with 100% of our high conflict
people. However, we do manage to make it with a surprising number and those
of moderate conflict are a pretty sure bet.
INTER-DISCIPLINARY TRAINING
In British Columbia, our CLE has endorsed Inter-disciplinary training in
Collaborative Law. As such at least one, if not two, 2-day basic trainings
are offered each year, one in the spring annually, and possibly one in the
fall, depending on demand. Advanced training is also offered through CLE.
Although CLE's mandate is to provide training provincially, these trainings
are open to practitioners from outside BC. Yes, another great reason to come
and visit Vancouver!
Nancy Cameron & I lead the training team. For the past 4 years Nancy & I
have worked together to support education, training and practice in
Collaborative Law. We were the original co-chairs of the Vancouver practice
group. Working together in collaborative practice since 1999, we have
trained together since 2001. We have both written and presented extensively
on Collaborative Law. Together, we were the course coordinators of the CLE
Collaborative separation and divorce training offered in British Columbia.
(This course won the ACLEA award for Professional Excellence (top award) in
the Best Program category.) Finally, we have just finished teaching a full
term, credit course on Inter-disciplinary Collaborative Family Law at the
University of British Columbia. (This course included both law and
psychology students.)
In addition, the training team for Vancouver trainings includes two other
members of the Vancouver practice group. (Yes, this is the practice group
that brought you the most recent IACP networking forum.) Deborah Brakelely
has trained with us since 2001. A second lawyer is also involved. This
position is filled by one of Sandra Polinsky, Rhona Lichtenwald or Morrie
Sacks. A financial planner is also included. (This aspect is currently
being further developed and will be ready for this spring.)
All of us are founding members of the Vancouver practice group and are
currently serving on the executive.
WE WELCOME YOU TO COME TO VANCOUVER AND JOIN US!
As an aside, the Vancouver group has greatly benefited from traveling
together to get training from the Collaborative Divorce team. One group of
7 attended training in Minneapolis and another group of 5 attended training
in Phoenix. These trips served many purposes, training being only one. By
the time we returned we knew each other much better, had experienced our
training together, and finally felt ready to get started. I would highly
recommend attending training with others with whom you intend to practice.
Not only is it extremely effective in helping you get started, it is a lot
of fun. (And you just never know what might happen - just ask Rhonda
Hercus!)
I will post information about the Vancouver training (dates, cost) in the
up-coming weeks.
All the best to everyone over the holidays. May you have wonderful times
doing something besides keeping up with your e-mail. Cheers!
Susan Gamache
--
Dr Susan Gamache
Registered Psychologist
Marriage & Family Therapist (AAMFT)
Collaborative Family Law Divorce Coach & Trainer
Hycroft Medical Centre
#217, 3195 Granville St.,
Vancouver, B.C., CANADA
V6H 3K2
Tel.: (604) 736-8840
