Family Reorganization for Dispute Resolution Professionals
Family Reorganization is a 40-hour self-guided course for mediators that offers an introduction to the way that families reorganize following separation and divorce. This course draws upon family systems theory, attachment theory, and grief and loss theories, to provide an in depth look at ‘what is a family system’ and ‘how family systems reorganize’ following the major stressor of relationship endings. Additionally, this course takes a complex view of family systems, considering trends in marriage and cohabitation and the myriad of ways that a ‘family’ is defined and understood in today’s world. It takes a deep dive into the way that adult attachments change when spouses part ways, including the particular ways that adults go through grief and loss cycles. Further, it includes in-depth information on the way children experience separation, their attachment needs, and the impacts of separation and divorce by age and developmental stage. Focus is placed on the way that conflict and stress impact children’s brain development, and the need for co-parenting approaches that limit exposure to destructive conflict. Throughout the course related topics are touched on that include family resilience and the voice of the child, as well as intersecting issues that include trauma, mental health, and substance misuse.
