I recently wrapped up another course in screening for power imbalances in mediation and arbitration. We had a great group of 12 lawyers and mental health professionals who spent two days learning the theory and skills involved in effective screening processes. Although this course is now mandated for anyone wanting to practice family arbitration in Ontario, it has been taught to mediators for many years. Lawyers in particular are often surprised at how much they did not know about the dynamics of control and abuse in some relationships, and how to differentiate among the various kinds of abusive relationships. As well, the course is always an interesting discussion on what gives one person power over another in a negotiation. Very fun stuff.
