The new edition of our textbook “Mediating with Families”, written by our Academic Advisory Board members and teachers will be released April 14, 2025.
“As you read Mediating with Families annotate myriads of insights that are as likely to affirm and inform your practice as to respectfully challenge it. This book is about real people seeking dispute resolution. Mediating with Families weaves theory with practice and includes a range of mediator interventions, energised by identifying the interests of participants as they progress toward potential agreement.”. – Margaret Halsmith AM
Mediating with Families Fifth Edition provides unique insights into the practice of family mediation in Australia. It considers the variety of family relationships, such as those between separating , same-sex, de facto and married couples, parents and adolescents, extended family relationships, siblings and their elderly parents. Importantly, it also highlights the research and theory that supports the practice.
This work is, without doubt, the most recommended text for Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) practitioner as well as anyone working with families in other settings.
The Fifth Edition has been updated to reflect the evolution of FDR practice in the 21st Century and how the work connects across legal, social and community sectors.
Mediating with Families has established itself as the pre-eminent resource for:
- All those starting out in the field as students through to the experienced practitioner.
- Trainers, coaches and lecturers in family dispute resolution.
- Family lawyers, collaborative lawyers, child consultants, social workers and psychologists; and
- Mediators and other dispute resolution practitioners interested in working with families, in all their varieties, to resolve disputes.
To assist mediation, “Tips and Traps” has been added at the end of each chapter to underscore the important aspects of practice for trainers, supervisors and practitioners.
Mediating with Families Fifth Edition informs the reader and challenges them to consider how their own values and beliefs can influence the mediation process.
‘Whether you are becoming a family mediator or are a seasoned performer you will discover very quickly this book is invaluable for your practice and is brimming with practical and helpful tips. Your clients will benefit”. – Michael Hunt
Mediating with Families Fifth Edition features two brilliant members of our Academic Advisory Board:
Mieke Brandon (AM)
Mieke Brandon, BA (University of Canberra), MSc(App) (University of Western Sydney) is a registered family dispute resolution practitioner, as well as accredited under the National Mediator Standards.
She has more than 30 years’ professional training and consultancy experience and is a co- author of two mediation texts on mediation in the workplace and family environments. She also has Adult teaching/learning and competency based assessment qualifications and has assisted in updating many training materials accordingly.
Mieke is passionate about best practice and has published extensively on a variety of topics to encourage practitioners to reflect in and on action.
She has presented at conferences in Australia, New Zealand, the United States, Canada and the Netherlands. She teaches and coaches regularly at a range of universities, and conducts National Mediator Standard assessments for these universities as well.
Linda Kochanksi (AM)
Linda has a legal background and worked in the areas of Criminal and Family Law predominantly before moving to dispute resolution.
In 2018, self-professed ‘pracademic’ Linda was awarded two major honours: Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (‘FDRP’) of the Year and Alternative Dispute Resolution (‘ADR’) Academic of the Year. What she enjoys most about her work and teaching is the advice she has to offer practitioners looking to succeed in ADR and FDRP.
Linda’s journey in the field of mediation is marked by a commitment to education and professional development. Her involvement with the Mediator Training Academy underscores her belief in the power of structured, high-quality training to equip mediators with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the nuances of conflict resolution. Under her guidance, the academy has implemented rigorous training programs that emphasise both theoretical knowledge and practical application, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared to handle real-world mediation scenarios.
In addition to her role at the Mediator Training Academy, Linda has an extensive background in both academia and practical mediation. She has held various academic positions, where she has conducted research and published extensively on topics related to mediation and dispute resolution. Her scholarly work has contributed to a deeper understanding of the dynamics of conflict and the methods through which it can be effectively managed.
Her contributions extend beyond individual cases and academic research; Linda is also a sought-after speaker and trainer, regularly conducting workshops and seminars aimed at enhancing the skills of practicing mediators. Her ability to convey complex concepts in an accessible manner has earned her a reputation as an effective educator and mentor.
Receiving the Order of Australia, AM, is a testament to Linda Kochanski’s impact on the field of mediation. Her dedication to advancing the practice through education, research, and practical application has not only shaped the careers of countless mediators but has also contributed to the broader goal of promoting peaceful and constructive conflict resolution in society.
We congratulate Mieke and Linda on the completion of this fantastic textbook and we are confident that all of our FDR student body will enjoy it in their study of the CHC81115 Graduate Diploma of Family Dispute Resolution.