Family Mediation Demystified: An Introduction to Family Mediation Principles and Practice

Topic(s):

Professional Practice

Webinar event date:

Oct 1, 2025 1:00 pm EDT

Webinar series:

Social Work and Mediation

Webinar link

Webinar Presenters:

Rhoda Dobler, KC, Alberta

Rhoda I. Dobler, KC is a Mediator/Arbitrator/Lawyer in Calgary, Alberta. Rhoda was called to the bar in 1993 and received both her B.A and LL.B. from the University of Calgary. Rhoda’s practice spans almost three decades, and includes mediation, arbitration, and litigation. Her positive attitude, compassion and creativity guide her conflict resolution approach, making her a valued mediator and arbitrator. Rhoda is an instructor in the Legal Education Society of Alberta 40-hour Family Law mediation course, and a former instructor at the University of Calgary Faculty of Law in Interviewing and Counseling. Rhoda is a former Director and currently serves FMC as the President of the Board of Directors. Her skills in the legal community have been repeatedly recognized by the Best Lawyers in Canada since the initial edition (2006) in Family Law and has expanded to include recognition in the areas of Family Mediation and Alternative Dispute Resolution, being named Lawyer of the Year in Family Mediation in 2018 and 2021.

Willow McLean, Nova Scotia

M.S.W., R.S.W.

Willow McLean is a registered social worker with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers with a Bachelor and Masters of Social Work from McGill Unviersity and over 15 years in frontline child protection work. She also runs a private practice, Atlantic Family Mediation, and is a certified family relations mediator and board member with Family Mediation Canada. Willow believes that social workers trained in family mediation are uniquely situated to help parents navigate and overcome the practical but also intensely emotional difficulties that often follow a separation, especially when children are involved.

Description

This webinar is part 2 of a 4-part webinar series on Social Work and Mediation, presented in partnership with Family Mediation Canada.

Family separation and divorce are common life events with the potential for long-lasting impacts—especially on children. Many social workers already support families navigating these transitions, yet family mediation remains an underutilized service in many provinces. This presentation introduces family mediation as a valuable, client-centered alternative to the adversarial legal system. The session notes key post-separation decision areas—parenting plans, property division, support agreements—and where family mediation fits in the range of dispute resolution options available. We’ll highlight why many families struggle to resolve issues on their own, the harm ongoing disputes can cause, and how the legal system often exacerbates conflict. Recent amendments to Canada’s Divorce Act, which emphasize mediation, will be discussed alongside the ethical considerations around when mediation is or isn’t appropriate. Participants will gain a high-level understanding of the family mediation process, the unique role of the social work mediator, and core skills used to facilitate communication, manage conflict, and support decision-making. We’ll also explore certification pathways for social workers interested in becoming family mediators and contributing to positive outcomes for separating families.

By the end of this session, participants will be able to:

1. Describe the impact of family separation and divorce on children and families, and recognize how unresolved conflict contributes to negative outcomes.

2. Identify the key legal and practical issues that must be addressed following separation or divorce, including parenting plans, property division, and support arrangements.

3. Compare various dispute resolution options available to families, and explain where family mediation fits within this continuum.

4. Understand the role of the social work mediator and the family mediation process, including core skills used to support communication and conflict resolution.

5. Explore professional pathways to becoming a certified family mediator, including relevant training and accreditation opportunities for social workers.