“Putting the Pieces Together” – An Introductory Interdisciplinary Training (Attorneys, Mental Health Professional and Financial Professionals)

A creative and unique presentation designed to train attorneys, mental health, financial and other auxiliary professionals in the interdisciplinary Collaborative divorce model. We use the Florida model which is comprised of one MHP/facilitator; one FP/neutral; and one lawyer per client. What makes this training different from any other Collaborative training is its innovative approach that provides a toolbox of readily usable skills. The attorneys, mental health professionals and financial professionals remain together throughout the training allowing each professional to understand the role and the integration of each discipline in the process. The training presents an actual case filled with twists, turns, drama and surprises that keep the attendees engaged while teaching the necessary basic skills of the Collaborative Process. The presentation begins when a client first enters an attorney’s office and concludes with the execution of the Collaborative Marital Settlement Agreement. We demonstrate the use of the Team meetings and all the other interactions that take place in the Collaborative divorce process.  We use a mixed media approach including role play, demonstration, and didactic presentation with Power Point. We provide materials to the sponsoring group to place online, print or burn to CD or flash drive for the registrants. We interact with the attendees and step out of roles to answer questions and explain the process throughout the presentation. Our purpose is to demonstrate the integration of the three disciplines and how our approach benefits the clients and the Collaborative process. Our presentation is personalized and customized to your community, highlights your practice group and uses two volunteer “actors” from your practice group who serve in the role of the husband and wife. Although demonstrating a divorce process, this presentation can easily be adapted to Probate and other areas of Civil Law.