It is so important to send our survey's immediately following a course and we do this with each course we teach.  Although I have consistently been rated as 5 out of 5 stars, I very much appreciate the time people take to give comments and we take them into account as we continuously plan better ways to deliver services.  Recently I attended the Canadian Domestic Homicide Prevention Conference for four days and then revamped my Power Imbalances course and taught it for the following three days.  The convention was powerful, in particular because many survivors and family members of victims shared their stories.  It was deeply moving and inspiring in terms of wanting to do my part to ensure mediators screen effectively.  That's why I was particularly grateful to see some really positive feedback come in from the surveys from this course, like this one:  "Jennifer is really sensitive, an intuitive. 5 star rating attributed to the trainer's insights on racial issues and LGBTQ issues, including microaggressions and trans issues. More importantly, the intersections for those with multiple memberships to marginalized communities."  Another participant commented: " Jennifer’s skill, knowledge and competence are weaved throughout the course materials and her stories".

• We also received the highest ratings about our role play coaches, confirming that they were very knowledgeable and helpful. We use a role play coach in groups of three throughout our trainings.  One attendee commented that they really appreciated the exposure to a variety of mediators through role play coaching and another commented, "She was very encouraging and positive. Rather than frame things as criticisms, she showcased an alternative method or approach by illustrating her own acting out in the roleplay and characterized it as what she might try in that situation. Such a classy lady - this was conducive to an overall positive learning experience."

Although we greatly appreciate such positive feedback, we also received some helpful comments, as set out here:  " Great course! Really appreciated the content that captured race and sexual orientation. In the future, I would like to see more content about DV directly against vulnerable children (step-children, LGBTQ children, adopted or fostered children, etc.). I think there should be a focus on some other forms of power imbalances: same sex relationship where one is out and the other is not and that is weaponized against the non-out spouse. Cultural stigma where marital problems are frowned upon and involves an interracial couple. I've had cases where the perpetrator is a prominent member in the community (police officer, wealthy, etc.) and how victims can navigate those situations where systemic bias can prevent them from disclosing the abuse."

This was very thoughtful feedback and although it is very difficult to cover everything we would like to in three (3) days, we are going to continue to try harder!  The survivors and the families of the victims deserve our very best.

Jennifer Suzor, LL.B.
Accredited Family, Child Protection and Elder Mediator (OAFM)
Certified Advanced Practitioner Mediator (APFM)
Lead Trainer and President, Insightful Mediation Training
3231 Tecumseh Road East, Windsor, Ontario, N8W 1H2   Telephone 519.252.2772  Facsimile 519.945.0010

We are excited to announce that we were approved by the Ontario Association for Family Mediation to provide the new Simulated Role Play Course.

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 takes place over five (5) consecutive days and Week Two is separated into 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.

The format of this course is broken down into two weeks.  The first week will include three (3) days of observation of our lead trainer followed by two (2) days of co-mediation with the Coach.  Each group of three will have a coach throughout the mediation role playing.  This results in an experience similar to traditional internship.  The students will also play the part of the clients, which provides a rich learning opportunity. This will be followed by reflection by the trainer as the mediator, debrief, and the students will be asked to draft Progress Notes and/or Mediation Reports.    Week Two will be a format of student led mediations, with a pre-requisite of having completed Week One, or having completed forty (40) hours of traditional internship with another provider.

The price of Week One or Two purchased separately is $1,500 per week, or $2,900 for both weeks if purchased together.

Following completion of this program, the trainee is still required to obtain two mediated agreements with families.  We will review applications to continue supervised practical experience with Jennifer Suzor and her team of mediators or every effort will be made to connect the trainee with an opportunity to obtain those two cases.

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