How can we help?
by Hazel Wright, Trustee, Mediator and Trainer
What do family mediators and relationship therapists have in common? This is not a riddle or a trick. The two professions share many characteristics. Some people work in both professions. In addition to the professional and regulatory frameworks regarding legal and ethical demands, we each need the other.
COSRT has just launched the new Relationship Therapists’ Register. Members are acknowledged experts in communication skills, helping clients to learn and apply new ways of thinking in daily life. This might mean a short piece of work, measured in weeks or months or sometimes longer. On a general theme of difficulty or a specific issue such as talking with children.
Mediators are in a different space. The role is often part of separation and/or divorce, and more than that. Working with changes in family life, whether that is the care of children (perhaps when a new baby is born to one of the parents), changes in financial arrangements (perhaps loss of income or increase in needs), family mediators work towards an express outcome.
In my work as a mediator, I often bring therapists into the room, either from the outset or to help on bumps along the road. For example, they can help to address any perceived power imbalance. Often, I will work to help the couple to decide an issue that seems to be blocking other agreements. Just as a therapist would do in a different context.
Now for a riddle. How many mediators/family therapists does it take to change a light bulb?
None. The couple do it for themselves.
We are hosting a free members only online seminar on Friday 24th February by Direct Mediation Services. For further information and to book visit COSRTlearn