TRAINING
6,7,8,14,15
MARCH
40 Hour Mediation Training
Register now for our in person training to equip Lawyers and Mental Health Practitioners to mediate all issues relating to Family and Divorce Mediation.
Cost: R12 100.00
Venue: Protea Church Hall, Tygerberg
Dates & Times:
6, 7, 8, 14, 15 March 2025
09h00 – 16h00
**All days are compulsory
The 40-hour family mediation course is designed to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the mediation process, particularly in the context of family disputes. Throughout the course, students will explore key concepts such as communication techniques, conflict resolution strategies, and the legal frameworks that govern family mediation in the South Africa. Participants will engage in practical exercises, role-playing scenarios, and case studies to develop their skills in facilitating discussions between parties, managing emotions, and facilitating collaborative solutions. The curriculum also emphasises ethical considerations and cultural sensitivity, ensuring that students are well-prepared to navigate the complexities of family dynamics.
By the end of the course, students will have gained essential competencies in mediation, including the ability to effectively assess conflicts, guide parties through negotiation processes, and implement strategies that promote mutual understanding and agreement. They will be equipped with the tools necessary to create a safe and respectful environment for dialogue, enabling them to support families in reaching amicable resolutions. Additionally, participants will understand how to recognise when mediation is appropriate and when referral to other services may be necessary, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness as mediators in family settings.
24, 25, 26, 27
MARCH
12 Hour Applied Psychology
Dates: 24, 25, 26, 27 March 2025 | 18H00 – 20H00
ONLINE
COST: R1700 Members / R1950 Non-Members
“Everything that irritates us about others can lead us to an understanding of ourselves” – Carl Jung.
This workshop is designed to delve into the mediator’s self and its significance in mediation. The mediator’s self-awareness can either hinder progress or facilitate mutual understanding. We will discuss the concept of self-awareness, its relevance to the mediator, and practical strategies for its development. We will also address the barriers of self-awareness, how to overcome them, and how to effectively utilise self-awareness in the mediation process. The workshop is not just a lecture, but a platform for interactive dialogue and practical examples, ensuring a dynamic learning experience.
28
MARCH
Navigating domestic abuse in mediation (Saartjie Baartman)
Date: 28 March 2025 | 10H00 – 14H00
In person
COST: R750 Members/ R900 non-members
The workshop on navigating domestic abuse matters in mediation, proudly presented by the Saartjie Baartman Centre, aims to equip family mediators, legal practitioners, psychologists, and social workers with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the complexities of domestic abuse within mediation settings. Participants will explore critical topics such as identifying signs of domestic violence, understanding power dynamics, and implementing practices that ensure the safety and well-being of all parties involved.
Additionally, participants will gain insights into collaborative approaches that can be employed alongside mediation to address underlying issues related to domestic violence, ultimately enhancing their effectiveness in supporting families through challenging situations.
2, 9, 16
MAY
5, 6, 7
JUNE
Parent Coordinator 40 Hour Training
Date: 2, 9, 16 May 2025 | 09H00 – 13H00 (Part 1)
Date: 5,6,7 June 2025 | 09H00 – 15H00 (Part 2)
Online
COST: R9750 per person
10
MAY
FAMAC Mediation Refresher Course
Date: 10 MAY 2025 | 08H30 – 16H30
IN PERSON
COST: R1500 – Members / R1700 Non-Members
The full day refresher mediation course for family mediators is designed to enhance and update the skills and knowledge of practitioners who have already completed their initial mediation training. This course provides an opportunity for mediators to revisit core concepts, explore recent developments in family law and mediation practices, and engage in advanced techniques for managing complex family dynamics. Participants will engage in interactive discussions, role-playing exercises, and case studies that encourage the application of their existing knowledge while addressing contemporary challenges faced in family mediation.
By the end of the course, students will have strengthened their mediation competencies, including effective communication strategies, conflict resolution techniques, and ethical considerations specific to family mediation. They will also gain insights into the FAMAC accreditation process, ensuring they are well-prepared to meet the standards required for recognition.
Furthermore, participants will leave with enhanced confidence in their ability to facilitate discussions that promote collaboration and understanding among parties, ultimately improving outcomes for families navigating disputes. This refresher course not only revitalises essential skills but also serves as a vital bridge for mediators seeking to align their practice with FAMAC’s accreditation criteria.
16
MAY
12 Hour Applied Law
Date: 16 MAY 2025 | 08H30 – 16H30
ONLINE
COST: R1700 – Members/ R1950 Non-Members
The 12-hour applied law training for family mediators is designed to equip participants with a thorough understanding of the legal aspects relevant to family mediation. This training covers essential topics such as the legal framework governing family disputes, the role of mediation in the context of family law, and the implications of various legal statutes and case law on mediation practices.
Students will explore issues such as child care and contact, financial settlements, and domestic abuse, gaining insights into how these factors influence mediation processes. Through case studies and practical exercises, participants will learn to navigate legal documents and understand the importance of compliance with relevant laws.
By the end of the course, students will have developed a solid foundation in the legal principles that underpin family mediation, enabling them to effectively advise clients on their rights and responsibilities. They will be proficient in identifying legal issues that may arise during mediation and understanding when it is necessary to involve legal professionals. Furthermore, participants will be able to integrate legal knowledge into their mediation practice, ensuring that they facilitate discussions that are not only constructive but also legally sound. This course ultimately aims to enhance the effectiveness of mediators by providing them with the tools to operate confidently within the legal sphere of family disputes.
7
JUNE
Trauma Informed Mediation Practice
Date: 7 JUNE 2025 | 09H00 – 14H00
IN PERSON
COST: R1200 – Members/ R1400 Non-Members
The trauma-informed mediation practice workshop is designed for family mediators, legal practitioners, psychologists, and social workers seeking to deepen their understanding of how trauma impacts individuals involved in family disputes. This workshop will cover essential concepts related to trauma, including its psychological effects and how it can influence communication and decision-making during mediation. By the end of the workshop, students will have developed the skills to recognise signs of trauma, implement strategies that promote healing and resilience, and facilitate mediation processes that respect the emotional needs of all parties involved. This training aims to enhance participants’ effectiveness in supporting families through challenging situations while cultivating a more compassionate and understanding mediation practice.
27
JUNE
Mediating Child Maintenance Workshop
Date: 27 JUNE 2025 | 09H00 – 14H00
IN PERSON
COST: R1200 – Members/ R1400 Non-Members
This hands-on session is designed to provide a complete understanding of the child maintenance process, including how to complete the necessary forms and assist clients in doing so. You’ll also learn how to calculate maintenance amounts and determine each parent’s contribution.
We will delve into practical mediation sessions, covering new applications, divorce settlement disputes, adjustments, and arrear maintenance and how to successfully mediation these matters. This in-person workshop will include a comprehensive handout with forms, relevant case law, example affidavits, and references to essential resources.
The workshop will be presented by Sunel Beeselaar and Eugene Opperman, both experienced family law practitioners and mediators who deal with maintenance matters daily.
Need advice?
Contact us to find out more about how our accredited mediators can help with divorce and family disputes.
Or find out more about our events, workshops and training.