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8 April 2024

19:00 – 20:30

Module 1: Introduction to trauma and trauma informed mediation. Learning objectives include defining trauma and its diverse forms, understanding trauma-informed care principles, recognising different types of trauma, exploring secondary and vicarious trauma, examining global prevalence and impact, identifying psychological and physiological effects, understanding flight, fight, freeze or fawn responses, and utilising the NLP Communication Model in mediation.

Module 2: Trauma-informed principles – our learning objectives include defining and recognising trauma-informed principles, implementing safety measures, building trust, utilising peer support, practicing collaboration and mutuality, demonstrating empowerment in mediation, addressing sensitivities, and designing inclusive processes.

Module 3 focuses on the legal implications of trauma, including the impact on legal proceedings, challenges for survivors in the legal system, vicarious trauma among legal professionals, and the effects of trauma on decision-making and cognitive functioning. It also explores re-traumatisation risks, common causes of trauma for mediation clients, and the intersection of trauma and the legal system. Lastly, it defines Trauma-Informed Mediation (TIMP) and its benefits in conflict resolution.

Module 4 explores the recognising and responding to trauma in clients. It aims to sensitize participants to survivors’ sensitivity to dishonesty and power misuse, identify trauma signs, respond compassionately, recognize trauma cues during mediation, detect coercive behavior, identify indicators of abuse, understand trauma screening tools, and analyze potential triggers and risks for clients in the legal process.

Module 5 focuses on creating a safe and supportive environment for trauma-informed mediation. The learning objectives include establishing a safe environment, building trust, emphasising ongoing communication, recognising the importance of safety in trauma mitigation, fostering credibility through intake processes, empowering individuals through choices, understanding power dynamics, creating mediation agreements and ground rules, and developing trauma-informed spaces for mediation.

Module 6 teaches trauma informed strategies for facilitating dialogue, empowerment, and healing in family law settings. Learning objectives include understanding the brain’s defense responses during trauma, recognizing limitations in survivors’ decision-making, responding to trauma-related behaviors, using trauma-informed storytelling and listening skills, reframing stress responses, communicating with empathy, and navigating ethical dilemmas in mediation.

Module 7: Mediation in domestic violence cases explores complexities, legal framework, dynamics, challenges, criticisms, arguments, victim safety, community involvement, and mediation considerations in South Africa.

Module 8: Learn to define and recognize vicarious trauma in mediation, identify symptoms in mediators, understand challenges in closure, and explore strategies for mitigating the risk.

Module 9 focuses on trauma-informed mediation practices. Learning objectives include understanding the mediator’s role in communication and negotiation, recognizing professional limits, and providing information and referrals for additional support without providing therapy or counseling services.

Next 5 week online course: 20,27 May and 3, 10 and 17 June (19:00 – 20:30)

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