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REMARKABLE TRAINING
Inclusive, inspiring, and insightful family mediation training geared to experienced professionals.
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A FRESH TRAINING APPROACH
Rich, vibrant, and meaningful family mediation training by experienced skilled trainers.
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EXCEPTIONAL SPEAKERS
Leading practitioners and researchers share generously of their talents and expertise to enrich your learning experience.
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COMMUNITY-BASED LEARNING
Training that connects you to your mediation community.
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REFOCUS YOUR CAREER
Expand your knowledge and skills to help families find peaceful solutions.
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EXPAND YOUR SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
Take your career in a new, positive, and rewarding direction.
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FAMILY MEDIATION TRAINING EXCELLENCE
Start your mediation career within-depth knowledge, refined mediation skills, and comprehensive understanding.
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EXPERT COURSE DIRECTORS
Our Course Directors have extensive family mediation, teaching, and training experience, in Canada and abroad.
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LEARN, EXPERIENCE, AND SHARE
Train with colleagues to transform your skills to help families in conflict.
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APPROVED COURSES FOR ACCREDITATION
Our mediation courses are specifically designed to meet the accreditation criteria of the OAFM and other organizations in Ontario. Our courses launch your mediation career.
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INNOVATIVE TEACHING
Dynamic and engaging teaching methodology for every participant: a rich blend of theory and practical experience.
ANNOUNCING OUR NEW INSIGHT MEDIATION LEARNING GUIDE BOOK CLUB
In conjunction with the publication of the new Insight Mediation Learning Guide, we are offering a free book club where Jennifer Suzor which host on March 25, 2026, April 15, 2026 and June 3, 2026. Come for one, come for all. There is no cost!
You can purchase the Guide here and sign up for the Book Club here.
We provide excellent mediation training to lawyers, social workers and other interested persons in Ontario, Canada and the world. Our courses are accepted by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation, the Academy of Professional Family Mediators, Family Mediation Canada and FDRIO, the Family Dispute Resolution Institute of Ontario. We believe in mediation, and we love what we do. We teach both the interest based and Insight approaches to mediation, making us unique and equipping our trainees with the most comprehensive mediation skills. We have a primary focus on Family Mediation as it is the best process choice for separating families. Learn from our experienced, Accredited Family Mediators eager to share their skill and knowledge with you. We will equip you to understand conflict, the mediation process, negotiation theory, power dynamics and most importantly provide the hands-on experience required to learn and master the mediation process. Learn the Insight approach to bring your skills to the highest place of excellence. If you are already a mediator and want to update your skills, scroll down for our Professional Development courses or click here.
COMPLETE THE COURSES REQUIRED TO BECOME AN ACCREDITED FAMILY MEDIATOR IN JUST 4 MONTHS
For professionals who need to take courses after hours, you can take the courses required to become an Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation and other certifying bodies in our online instructor-led program after hours. This immersive and integrative training combines all required courses into one streamlined experience—no need to register for each course separately.
Our next cohort begins June 18, 2026 and ends on October 3, 2026 with live interactive sessions held weekly in the evening and five engaging Saturday intensives. This highly rated program fits easily into your schedule while providing you the same experience with our highly rated trainers and coaches.
Prefer to go at your own pace or brush up on specific topics? Each module can also be purchased individually.
Flexible monthly payment plans are available for this program and all of our courses.
Fundamentals of Family Mediation
September 14, 15, 16, 17 and 18, 2026
February 8, 9, 10, 11 and 12, 2027
* can also be taken in individual modules as set out in the Working Professionals Evening Course format. Contact us for more information.
This course is the 40-hour (5 day) basic family mediation training required to become an Accredited Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation and other organizations. Training will include guest speakers and role plays and cover fundamental family mediation theory and skills. Learn More.
Power Imbalances and Domestic Violence
October 5, 6 and 7, 2026
March 1, 2 and 3, 2027
* can also be taken in individual modules in the evening as set out in the Working Professionals Evening Course format. Contact us for more information.
This is a 21-hour (3 days) course on Screening for Intimate Partner Violence and Power Imbalances for mediation and collaborative. Training will cover how to screen, how to determine when proceeding is not appropriate; what tools and techniques to use. Can be purchased as 3 days for accreditation as mediator, 2 days for collaborative or as a 1 day refresher. Also accredited by the Law Society. Learn More.
Family Law for Mediators
October 26, 27 and 28, 2026
March 30, 31 and April 1, 2027
* can also be taken in individual modules as set out in the Working Professionals Evening Course format. Contact us for more information.
This 21-hour (3 day) course on Family Law is Accredited by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation as a requirement for trainees who have not practised family law. It would also be helpful for family professionals who want to understand family law better. Training will survey all major areas of family law including property law, child support, spousal support, and custody and access. Learn More.
Register for Our Upcoming Courses or Learn More about becoming a Family Mediator
Register for Courses and package discounts here.
If you would like to watch a free 30 minute video of Lead Trainer Jennifer Suzor describing how to become an Accredited Mediator and our approach to mediation training, please click here.
We are committed to creating an inclusive environment and will also make every effort to provide accommodations to ensure all participants can fully engage in our program. To tailor our support effectively, we kindly ask that you confidentially share specific details about your needs in advance. This will help us ensure a positive and accessible experience for everyone. We are happy to arrange a personal meeting to discuss this should that be easier for you.
Family Relations
November 11, 12 and 13, 2026
April 14, 15 and 16, 2027
* can also be taken in individual modules as set out in the Working Professionals Evening Course format. Contact us for more information.
This 21-hour course meets the accreditation requirements of the Ontario Association of Family Mediators (OAFM), for accreditation purposes. It is a required course for all participants who are not mental health professionals, such as lawyers, paralegals, and others. The course introduces participants to family related dynamics and issues which are present in family mediation, expanding participants’ understanding of issues such as family systems theory, mental health issues, attachment in family relationships, and child development. The course is taught by a senior and experienced team of mental health professionals. The course will be taught through a combination of lectures, group discussions, case studies, and exercises. Learn More.
Advanced Family Mediation
November 16, 17 and 18, 2026
April 28, 29 and 30, 2027
* can also be taken in individual modules as set out in the Working Professionals Evening Course format. Contact us for more information.
Our Advanced Mediation course allows future mediators to take a deep dive into understanding conflict, particularly the threat and defending dynamics that form the basis of Insight Mediation. Understanding conflict and high conflict situations, avoiding impasse and working with emotions are key mediator skills. This class is taught by Elizabeth Sterritt and/or Jennifer Suzor, advanced Insight practitioners. This course meet the requirements of accreditation for the Ontario Association for Family Mediation and other accrediting bodies. This course is half role plays in a 3 to 1 coach ration with our very experienced coaching team. Learn More.
PACKAGE DISCOUNTS
Package A for Family Law Lawyers:
Courses 1, 3, 4 and 5
Package B
for Social Workers, Financial Professionals, and Paralegals:
Courses 1, 2, 3 and 4
Package C
for various backgrounds that require Family Relations & Family Law:
Courses 1, 2, 3, 4 and 5
Simulated Role Play Courses
Week One: October 19, 20, 21 and November 2 and 3, 2026
Week Two: November 19, 20 and December 2, 3 and 4, 2026
Week One: May 17, 18, 19 and June 3 and 4, 2027
Week Two: June 24, 25 and July 7, 8 and 9, 2027
The Simulated Role Play Course has been approved by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation as meeting 80 of the 100 hours required for Supervised Practical Experience. It is structured as two separate one week blocks and can be purchased as such. Week one and Week Two are separated unto a three (3) and two (2) day block. This is an evaluative course, designed to meet the requirements to become an Accredited Family Mediator. The purpose of this course is to provide direct, hands on experience as observer, client and mediator. The goal is to provide opportunity for the trainee to obtain up to three (3) mediation reports that could be used for accreditation in the simulated format. Role plays will encompass a mediation from intake to finish and include comprehensive and/or complex issues. The expectation is that the trainee further develops the skills and knowledge required for mediation throughout the course and has the opportunity to complete several mediations, providing them with the opportunity to obtain up to three Mediation Reports.
We offer the following courses to practising Certified and Accredited Family Mediators and legal professionals interested in learning more about specialized parts of the law and mediation process. These are designed to enhance the skills of mediators and provide on-going professional development.
FAMILY MEDIATOR PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
Insight Mediation Intensive (3 days) (Online)
Delivered by Dr. Cheryl Picard, Elizabeth Sterritt and Jennifer Suzor on dates TBD.
The Insight approach to mediation is ideal for family, intergenerational and civil mediation contexts and our trainings highlight the theory while focusing on the approach and necessary skills. This three day intensive course will lead trainees through the theory behind the threat/defend patterns of interaction and the learning theory behind Insight as an approach and then focus on learning the numerous skills specific to this approach in hands on exercises and role plays. Materials will be provided with an emphasis on the development of a learning plan and exercises that will help bring these skills into your every day work and personal environments.
Administration of a Mediation Practice (Online)
Dates: TBD
This course is for mediators and/or their staff. It covers establishing and promoting a mediation practice and also all of the administration from initial screening for domestic violence through file management.
Family Law Refreshers for Mediators (Online)
Dates: Review the Working Professionals Agenda to select any evening updating course
These modules are designed for family professionals and Accredited Family Mediators wanting a better understanding of family law in divorce and separation.
Property Law in Mediation (Online)
September 16, 2026 (6 pm - 9:15 pm)
Learn more about deductions, exclusions, pre-marriage assets, conditional debt and how to use a NFP in mediation to help the parties see the differences between them and resolve them. Taught by Cindy Nantais.
Working With Pensions for Family Law Professionals and Mediators (Online)
Dates: TBD
This 3 hour training with Catie Foley of McKeating Actuaries allows you to fully understand the valuation of pensions, how and when to engage with experts, how to canvas options for deduction of notional tax and generally engage with clients in mediation over this incredibly important topic.
Indigenous Dispute Resolution (Online)
TBD
Join Jim Doxtador as he shares on Indigenous Dispute Resolution methods, using the approach first shared by Dr. Rick Hill and Dr. Bob Antone and on Haudenosaunee culture. This would qualify for 3 hours of the indigenous training required for Rostered Mediators.
Mediation of Marriage and Cohabitation Agreements (Online)
August 12, 2026 (9 am - 12:30 pm)
Parties who find themselves wanting a cohabitation agreement or marriage contract will quickly find that those discussions are sensitive and emotionally charged. Sometimes there is additional pressure exerted on the parties by family who recommend such a contract be put in place. Mediators can help but knowledge is key.
Advanced Property and Income Determination for Mediators (Online)
TBD
Join Matthew Krofchick, a Chartered Business Valuator (CBV) and a Valuations Manager at Krofchick Valuations in Toronto, as he leads this Advanced Level training for mediators on business valuations and difficult income calculations.
Drafting Skills For Mediators (Online)
September 9, 2026 (6 pm - 9:15 pm)
This 3 hour course is designed for family professionals and Accredited Family Mediators wanting to draft with clarity and precision for clients and other justice partners.
Insight Mediation Skills Building (Online)
TBD
This training is an intermediate and advanced level training for those wishing to understand and apply insight mediation techniques taught by Jennifer Suzor and Elizabeth Sterritt.
Child Support Law In Mediation (Online)
July 22, 2026 (6 pm - 9:15 pm)
This 3 hour course is designed for Accredited Family Mediators wanting a deeper understanding of the more complex issues in support law or for those in the family justice system working with families and interested in family mediation.
Spousal Support Law In Mediation (Online)
August 19, 2026 (6 pm - 9:15 pm)
This 3 hour course is designed for Accredited Family Mediators wanting a deeper understanding of the more complex issues in support law or for those in the family justice system working with families and interested in family mediation. This course is taught by Cindy Nantais.
Excellent Questioning (Online)
September 2, 2026 (6 pm- 9:15 pm)
Join Insightful Mediation Training Lead Trainer Jennifer Suzor as she and experienced mediator Jared Norton explore the many ways we can use questions to better understand our clients, their underlying interests and motivations, and lead them to discover the resolutions that suit their family best.
