Introduction to Collaborative Practice:
A Respectful Approach to Conflict Resolution

In this practical and interactive three-day training, attendees will travel step-by-step through the Collaborative process. This program is designed for the family practitioner and valuable to all professionals interested in Collaborative resolution, including financial specialists, lawyers, and mental health professionals.  

What is Collaborative Practice?

Collaborative Practice is a different way of approaching conflict -- the conventional adversarial approach is discarded in favor of a new paradigm. Participants in a Collaborative case commit to a reasoned and cooperative out-of-court resolution of the dispute. The process is interdisciplinary, so clients have the benefit of a “team” working for them. Each client is represented by a Collaboratively-trained attorney.  A neutral mental health professional, or “coach,” facilitates the negotiations and manages the process. A neutral financial specialist provides economic projections and sophisticated tax analyses. The case is conducted largely through a series of carefully planned face-to-face meetings with the parties and professionals.  Participants work as joint problem solvers; and, among other things, clients are encouraged to focus on “interests” rather than “positions” as they negotiate. This approach serves the core needs of the parties with dignity and respect.  

Benefits of Attending

Collaboratively trained professionals will be able to offer clients alternatives to litigation that resolve conflicts effectively. Those completing this training are eligible for membership in the Massachusetts Collaborative Law Council.

Curriculum 

Lectures, demonstrations (video and live), role plays, and panel discussions will include these topics:

• Collaborative Practice Elements
• The Role of Each Professional in the Process
• Protocols for “Best Practices”
• Interest-Based Negotiation
• Ethical Considerations and Dilemmas
• Communication Skills
• Challenges to Collaborative Practice
• Strategies to Overcome Impasse

Faculty

The faculty consists of professionals with national and international reputations as leading trainers in the field of collaborative practice.

Registration Fees

Nonmembers $599

MCLC Members $299.50***

   

***PLEASE NOTE: Current MCLC members ONLY may register at the discounted member rate.  Prospective members must complete this training BEFORE they apply for MCLC membership.

 

INDIVIDUAL REGISTRATION REQUIRED: MCLC requires one registration per person at the full fee. Registrations may not be shared with or transferred to other individuals. There is no discount available for partial attendance.

EARLY REGISTRATION DEADLINE: MCLC will make no exceptions to the early registration deadline of September 23, 2013. If you are unfamiliar with online registration systems or suspect you may encounter computer problems, please plan to register before September 23. MCLC will be happy to assist you before the deadline.

CANCELLATION and REFUND POLICY:  A fee of $75 will be charged for all cancellations, regardless of cause. If notified of cancellation on or before October 2, 2013, MCLC will refund the applicable registration fee less the $75 cancellation fee. No refunds will be granted after October 2, 2013.

 

TUITION ASSISTANCE: A limited number of partial scholarships are available through MCLC. Recipients must pay full tuition in advance and will be reimbursed for the scholarship amount after course completion. Find out more about Winik Scholarships   

PAYMENT METHODS: Credit card/PayPal only. Sorry, no checks.

 
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Registration fee includes lunches and snacks for all three days. Final instructions and parking permits will be emailed shortly before the training. If you have questions, please email admin@MassCLC.org.