Therapeutic Family Mediation

Howard H. Irving, B.S. (Rhode Island), M.S.W. (Connecticut), Ph.D. (Toronto), is a Professor at the Faculty of Social Work, and is cross-appointed to the Faculty of Law. He is co-director of the combined Law and Social Work Degree Program. Dr. Irving is a founding member and a past-president of Family Mediation Canada. He was a Visiting Professor at the Hebrew University of Jerusalem, the Hong Kong University and the Hong Kong Polytechnic University. Professor Irving is the author of five texts on family mediation and related topics. His most recent book is Family Mediation: Contemporary Practice Issues, published in 1995. Professor Irving has conducted several research studies on dispute resolution and is a consultant in family mediation and arbitration. Since September 2006, Michael L. Benjamin has served as the executive director of the Family, Career and Community Leaders of America (FCCLA). Prior to FCCLA, Michael served as executive director of The National Council on Family Relations in Minneapolis, MN. Before that he was executive director of the Institute for Mental Health Initiatives, a component of the School of Public Health, George Washington University in Washington, DC. Michael began his career as a high school teacher teaching German in Beaumont, Texas. He co-authored a chapter with his spouse Marva P. Benjamin, "The Role of Leadership in Addressing Issues of Race and Ethnicity: Cultural Competence as a Framework and Leadership Strategy" in the 2004 book titled Promoting Racial, Ethnic, and Religious Understanding and Reconciliation. Also in 2004, he co-authored a chapter "Public Policy Advocacy" in the Family and Community Policy: Strategies for Civic Engagement.

I. Introduction 1. Introduction II. Therapeutic Family Mediation 2. The TFM Approach: Overview 3. Practice Skills 4. The TFM Approach: Step-by-Step Guide: Phase 1: Intake/Assessment 5. The TFM Approach: Step-by-Step Guide: Phase 2: Pre-Mediation 6. The TFM Approach: Step-by-Step Guide: Phase 3: Negotiation 7. The TFM Approach: Step-by-Step Guide: Phases 4 & 5: Termination & Follow-Up 8. Full-Length Case History III. Substantive Issues 9. Parenting Plan: Part 1, Related Topics 10. Parenting Plans: Part 2, Basic Elements 11. Financial Plans: Part 1: Technical Matters 12. Financial Plans: Part 2: Patterns of Conflict IV. Special Issues 13. TFM and Cultural Diversity 14. Family Mediation & Research V. Final Word 15. Final Word

This is an important text, making complex ideas easily accessible and thought provoking. It will certainly become essential reading for family mediation practitioners and of interest to therapists. . . -- Di Elliott "The text is filled with good advice, practical examples, and provides a strong grounding in TFM, as well as its theoretical underpinnings. It is useful for students and practitioners alike. The text is accessible and well-written. . ." -- RESOLVE