It is always interesting to see how different professionals introduce other
collaborative professionals into the collaborative process. I think the recent
post about having the neutral be the intake portal is a fascinating concept.
Recently I was working with a collaborative attorney and we were discussing who
we might work with to help with a new case we were starting. We chose a
financial and a mental health professional to begin.
lWe each spoke with our clients in seperate meetings and there were several
e-mails all around inviting the couple to let us know their schedule so that we
could each meet separately with the process fascilitator before we were all
together before we came all together at our scheduled meeting. The holidays
intervened and the meeting date was upon us.
We all met at the prearranged time and the couple acted as if we had never had
the discussion. They did not respond to the e-mails or phone calls.
Now tell me again why we need another professional at the table? It went
just fine. We just sat down and started explaining our roles and trotted out a
participation agreement and went on our way.
I have had this experience a couple of times now. Ground work and preparation
were made, but there was a bit of denial or passive/agressive stuff going on
and the clients behaved in ways that were a bit resistant.
What worked well was that the professionals weren't reactive and gently and
purposefully moved forward. It all worked out.
I wonder if anyone else has had a similar experience.
Happy New Year everyone.
Best,
Dave Murch
Rochester, New York
