ADults
Navigating separation and divorce is challenging under the best of circumstances. It can leave you feeling frustrated and helpless, in grief for lost dreams and anxious about your financial future. You never planned on this; yet when the process is guided safely and respectfully you can craft an agreement that leaves you stronger as co-parents and more confident in your financial security.
Unresolved, other family and workplace disputes can fester and become toxic. The feeling of not being in control increases, tensions and stress ramp up making it seem impossible to reach a peaceful resolution.
Reflective Mediation can help you shift your perspective, and that of the other party, by facilitating constructive conversations in a safe space with an unbiased third party. Through conflict coaching, multi-party restorative justice circles, or mediation, we explore strategies to address the issues in dispute, while developing the skill to improve communication, and the confidence to transform relationships.
Mike MacConnell has extensive experience with couples working towards a peaceful divorce or to rebuild their romance. In both instances, improving communication is a required step towards resolution.
When separation and divorce mediation is needed
Separation and divorce mediation guides adults to uncouple consciously, with the goal to move apart with a minimum of disruption in the lives of each other and the children. Removing the marriage/partnership from the relationship doesn’t end the relationship.
Mike MacConnell’s holistic process guides you through the complex steps of separation/divorce, both financial and emotional. Acting as a peacekeeper when needed, Mike ensures difficult conversations remain respectful and productive. The communication skills he models will help you move forward and transition to the next stage of your life. Mike is fully qualified to mediate comprehensive separation agreements, including parenting plans, child support, spousal support and equalization of family property.
Mike supports you in answering the following questions: Who are we now? Who and what do we want to become? Who gets to decide? And how do we decide?
Positive co-parenting for your children
You have the power to transforms the relationship with your ex into an effective co-parenting partnership for your children. Reflective Mediation’s process helps you define the parameters of this new relationship so you can minimize the stressful, negative effects that divorce can have on your children, while making them feel loved, supported, and if they are old enough, to give them a voice.
Navigating intergenerational disputes
Family disputes can reduce a happy home to a toxic stew, with disagreements arising between family members from different generations: mothers with grandmothers, fathers with daughters. Mediated conversations between family members can help even the ground. It removes barriers to communication such as, perceived position of authority of elder generations, or perceived impetuosity of younger folks, so that voices can be heard, and differing perspectives can be acknowledged. The goal is to clear the air and build a common path toward a more cohesive family life.
Why Trust Mike MacConnell to help you navigate your divorce?
Mike MacConnell is Professor of Family Mediation (Separation and Divorce) at Humber College in Toronto and author of The Yoga of Divorce: A Mindful Route to Resolving Disputes. Certified as an AccFM (Accredited Family Mediator), and CPMed (Child Protection Mediator) and mindfulness practitioner, Mike has years of experience helping couples separate peacefully, ensuring minimal impact on children, on finances and on personal well-being.
Reflective Mediation offers four different services to resolve disputes: mediation, coaching, restorative justice circles and workshops. Meetings can be held face-to-face or remotely by telephone or video-conference.
Mediation
Mediation is a voluntary, confidential and non-adversarial approach to dispute resolution that succeeds by facilitating parties as they work together to generate their own solutions. Having an open conversation in a safe environment allows participants to better understand what really matters to one another.
Private Coaching
To enhance relationships, we offer private coaching in communication skills and emotional self-regulation. We provide our clients with practical skills that help to cope with stress and enrich connection with others.
Workshop Training
Workshop-style training sessions are customized to meet your needs. Our activity-based programs teach evidence-based communication skills that really work to de-escalate and prevent conflict, while strengthening relationships.
Restorative Justice Circles
When disputes arise within a group, in a family or at work, we host restorative justice circles to ensure all voices are heard. By enhancing mutual understanding, groups can reach a consensus that balances the needs of all parties.
Note: A private screening is required with each participant prior to formal mediation sessions. Private meetings are not required prior to coaching, trainings and restorative justice circles.
