I specialize in resolving conflict through mediation in divorce or other family or relational difficulty. I am an accredited mediator and favors a transformative approach in divorce and family mediation and facilitation.

MEDIATION

People are faced with conflict situations on a daily basis. It presents itself in their personal lives, in the work place and in many other areas. Since conflict is such a common occurrence, one would assume that people have the skills to deal with it effectively. Unfortunately, most people lack the ability to do so. They often need assistance to understand the root causes of the conflict and decide on the appropriate actions to resolve it.

Mediation is a process in which parties are helped by a neutral third party to explore possibilities of resolving issues between themselves by mutual agreement without adjudication. Family mediation is not exclusive to divorce. Many issues are suitable for mediation. It is a voluntary process in which a couple, the whole family or any members thereof can participate. Mediation seeks to keep relationships intact and heal them while assisting the family in negotiating towards their own unique outcome that would address their specific issue(s) best. Disputes include whatever presents as a difficulty within a family for which they need assistance from a mediator.

Mediation is applied when divorce or separation is the outcome that a couple has determined for their relationship. Mediation is the less acrimonious and cost effective method of coming to agreements on care and contact arrangements for children (parenting plan), financial and maintenance matters. Mediation is the remedial alternative to lengthy and expensive legal processes that often have a devastating impact on relationships. Successful co-parenting is based on the quality of communication between the divorced parties.

FACILITATION (PARENTING COORDINATION)

Often the high conflict relationship between parents continues post-divorce which makes it difficult for them to manage their parenting plan and other decisions about their children. Provision is made in divorce settlements for the appointment of a facilitator (Parenting Coordinator).The facilitator (PC) is appointed by naming the person in the consent paper, by FAMAC or by agreement between the (ex)-spouses on a specific facilitator (PC). The task of the facilitator (PC) is to uphold the best interest of the child at all times as in accordance with the Children’s Act No.38, 2005.

If a dispute could not be mediated during the facilitation process the facilitator (PC) has the mandate to make a decision in the best interest of the child(ren) which will be recorded in a directive. I am a FAMAC trained and experienced facilitator (parenting coordinator).

FAMILY ARBITRATION

Family arbitration is an alternative dispute resolution modality in which a third party is mandated to make decisions about the issues in dispute. During divorce or separation procedures the family arbitrator would consider both parties’ views as well as collect evidence and facts on which to base her/his decisions. The family arbitrator’s final decision is a binding ruling, known as an “award”.

In the event of mediation or litigation not being successful, arbitration can be chosen as an alternative to court proceedings. The appointed family arbitrator would be an appropriately experienced and qualified individual.

FAMILY THERAPY

Systemic family therapy focuses on assisting the members of the family to understand and heal the relationship issues that might exist amongst them. Interactions are transformed to empower family members to solve their problems in a different way in order to bring about emotional wellbeing.

RELATIONSHIP DIAGNOSTICS AND THERAPY

Couples are guided through a process to gain insight into the state of their relationship. The process facilitates analyses and understanding of their own unique relationship. Depending on the outcome, the couple would choose the best option for them to bring about change in the relationship. These change options vary according to the couple’s circumstances and might lead to relationship therapy, separation or divorce through mediation.

EXECUTIVE AND PERSONAL COACHING

The fast paced and high pressured business environment expect executives to perform while managing all the other life pressures and expectations. As a coach my role is critical as a thinking partner to provide perspective and support in their development.

I formalized my own Personal Coaching Model, integrating theory and practical experience. It is molded according to the individual’s needs, job or company’s expectations.

MENTORING

It is a privilege to assist other professionals through mentoring in any of the fields above. This can take place as a once off consultation with the aim of gaining clarity on a specific issue or on a regularly scheduled basis where a relationship of trust develops and a safe space for sound boarding and growth is provided.

TRAINING

I am a trainer in mediation, conflict management and communication. The training varies from the FAMAC 40hr training to day workshops. Custom made training/workshops are developed according to the need of the organization.

ACCREDITATION as MEDIATOR

• FAMAC: Family Mediation Association of the Cape
• CD: Conflicts Dynamics (Commercial Mediation)
• ACDS: Africa Centre for Dispute Settlement (USB)

ACCREDITATION as Domestic Arbitrator

• Arbitration Foundation of South Africa (AFSA)
• COMENSA ACCREDITED COACH

PUBLICATIONS

• Hitchcock, SM (2011): The Impact of Cancer on the Relationship of the Couple.LAP LAMBERT Academic Publishing GmbH & Co, UK.

AFFILIATIONS

• HPCSA PR 089000027525
• SACSP 10-10580