Professional Practice Building and Presence
Part 1: Friday, September 23, 2022 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Virtual Symposium
Part 2: Friday, December 2, 2022 9 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Virtual Symposium
The practical applications of mindfulness and self-reflection can have a dynamic impact on us personally and professionally, on the success of our practices and on the families we help. During the Fall and Winter Symposia, we will provide innovative and constructive ways to keep everyone present in the room with the ultimate goal of building a thriving business while doing well for our clients.
Interactive sessions for the Fall Symposium will include:
KEYNOTE SPEAKER: Understanding Conflict & Supporting People
2.0 CEs, CLEs and SW Contact Hours Pending
This session will provide perspectives on assessing what is at the core of conflict and discuss ways to help couples move past their disputes and facilitate resolution. Topics include:
The Conflict Triangle
- Common effects of conflict
- The pleasures of conflict
- Finding the way out
Dr. Jennifer E. Beer, PhD, combines mediation experience with her cultural anthropology background to lead courses and workshops in mediation, conflict resolution, and cross-cultural communication. She regularly teaches a negotiation course at Wharton (University of Pennsylvania). Author of the Mediator's Handbook and of Peacemaking in Your Neighborhood, she has mediated conflicts and facilitated meetings for communities and organizations for 30 years.
Practice Building and Sustainability
1.5 CEs, CLEs Pending
Building a divorce mediation practice can be challenging. By utilizing novel strategies and tactics you can successfully grow your business. This panel will address:
- How to transition from litigation or other professions to all mediation
- If you are a mediator, adding strategic partner services such as real estate transactions, estate planning, insurance, legal consulting and drafting, etc.
- If you are an allied professional, offering divorce mediation as an additional service
- Marketing your services to the public and allied professionals

Communication and Table Negotiations
1.5 CEs, CLEs and SW Contact Hours Pending
These days, there is a general breakdown in the ability to communicate effectively with civility across all aspects of life. This can be especially true at the mediation table where emotions can run high. Experienced mediators, adept at keeping conversations fair and reasonable, are facing communication challenges more than ever. This panel will look at:
- Understanding our own stress levels and impact on our communication with clients
- How the lack of civility might impact the field of divorce mediation inside and outside the sessions
- How mediators can recognize, adjust and improve communication skills with the parties
- Improving cultural competency to facilitate communication
- Understanding how different age groups communicate and how that impacts negotiations

One-on-one Intake Meetings
1.5 CEs, CLEs Pending
An emerging trend in divorce mediation is to conduct a one-on-one intake meeting with each party individually before beginning joint sessions. This can be freeing for the parties and allow mediators additional opportunities to build a rapport, screen for DV and understand individual concerns. The panel will:
- Explore the various methods for structuring one-on-one intake meetings
- Model how it is done
- Discuss the disclosure process for these meetings
- Address neutrality
- Identify the pros and cons of conducting individual meetings
* CEs, CLEs (pending) and SW Contact Hours available for live sessions AND the recordings.
If you have questions, please contact: Renee LaPoint, MS, Fall Symposium Chairperson, or Patty Murray, NYSCDM Executive Director.
 ** Contact Hours for Social Workers Provided In Partnership with FamilyKind.
Additional Details
NYSDRA members and MEMBERS OF OTHER STATE ORGANIZATIONS THAT DO NOT PRACTICE IN NEW YORK, are eligible for NYSCDM member rates. Government and court employees are eligible for member rates as well. Please email [email protected]
CONTINUING LEGAL EDUCATION: “New York State Council on Divorce Mediation has been certified by the New York State Continuing Legal Education Board as an Accredited Provider of continuing legal education in the State of New York through December 31, 2024. CLE credits will be earned depending on sessions attended. All sessions are suitable for newly appointed and experienced attorneys. Continuing Education credits are provided for beginning and advanced mediators." [email protected]
CONTACT HOURS for Social Workers will be provided for specific sessions in partnership with FamilyKind at NO additional cost.
CONTINUING EDUCATION CREDITS for other professionals will be provided for all sessions by NYSCDM at NO additional cost.
FINANCIAL SPONSORSHIP: NYSCDM’s Financial sponsorship policy is available upon written request. To apply, write Connie Fraser at Crossbridge Office Park, 2000 S. Winton Road, Bldg. 4, Suite 305, Rochester, New York 14618 [email protected]
REFUNDS: Since this event will be offered online and recordings will be provided to all paid attendees, no refunds will be offered for this event. Schedule subject to change based on unforeseen circumstances.
ACCESSIBILITY: If you have any requirements for accessibility or other needs, please let us know on the event registration form or contact [email protected]
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