Episode 27 | How Mediation Can Support Children & Families Going Through Divorce

In this month’s episode, Janet speaks with Dr. Barbara Fidler, a clinical developmental psychologist, who has been practicing for over 35 years and has an independent practice in Toronto. 

A large part of her practice is working with parents and children in separation/divorce. She provides a range of services including therapy with couples and families, consultations, family mediation and parenting coordination. Also, she is an author and provides training to mental health professionals, lawyers and the judiciary.

Janet and Barbara discuss the complexities of involving children in mediation, helping parents develop a parenting plan and the impact of divorce on the parents and children. 

Here are some resources that Barbara recommends: 

www.oafm.ca (Ontario Association of Family Mediators)

www.afccontario.ca - for Parenting Plan resources

www.ourfamilywizard - one excellent co-parenting communication app

Association of Family and Conciliation Courts > Resource Center > Family Resources

www.highconflictinstitute.com - co-parenting resources and communication tools, including BIFF (Brief, Informative, Friendly & Firm)

healthyparent.com (Dr. Ben Garber’s website, full of resources for parents, books, articles)

Center for the Developing Child www.developingchil.harvard.edu/resources/ - full of information about building resiliency, toxic stress, etc.; many very short video clips

Split: A Film For Kids of Divorce (& Parents) (30 min film) - www.splitfilm.org

Don’t Divorce Me (2012, HBO) - www.hbo.com (30 min)