Education & Training

This training satisfies the requirement in the IACP Minimum Standards for Collaborative Practitioners for “[a]t least one thirty hour training in client centered, facilitative conflict resolution, of the kind typically taught in mediation training (interest-based, narrative or transformative mediation programs).” (See IACP Minium Standards for Collaborative Practitioners at Sections 2.3, 3.4 and 4.5 [adopted 2004 and revised 2014].)

The International Academy of Collaborative Professionals sets standards for training, trainers and practitioners. IACP does not certify or endorse specific trainings. This training program meets the standards of IACP. These standards can be found at www.collaborativepractice.com.

Is this live or recorded?
This is a live training only. There will be no recording.

Will I get a certificate?
Yes. You will receive a certificate for 40 hours upon completion.

Can I miss a day?
Attendance at all sessions is strongly encouraged for continuity and skill practice.

Do I need to be a lawyer?
No. The course is designed for attorneys, financial professionals, and mental health professionals.

40-hour mediation training in eight live sessions on Zoom, five hours each including breaks.
March 10–13 and March 17–20, 2026
8:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. Pacific Time

Session 1 – Conflict Theory, Role of the Mediator, ADR Core Competencies

8:30–8:45 Welcome, framing, opening quote
8:45–9:05 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:05–9:45 Lecture and discussion: conflict basics (issues, escalation, power/rights/interests)
9:45–10:20 Lecture and discussion: Compass Model
10:20–10:35 Group exercise: responding to conflict
10:35–10:50 Break
10:50–11:20 Lecture: mediator roles and role confusion
11:20–11:55 Lecture: ADR spectrum and mediation styles
11:55–12:30 Exercise: mediator “lane” scenarios
12:30–12:45 Break
12:45–1:15 Lecture: ADR core competencies
1:15–1:40 Lecture: Dolphin core competencies
1:40–1:55 Reflection writing exercise
1:55–2:00 Wrap-up

Session 2 – Stage 1: Setting the Foundation, Stage 2: Understanding & Information Gathering (R.O.C.K.)

8:30–8:45 Welcome, recap, framing
8:45–9:00 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:00–9:40 Lecture: Stage 1 overview and process design
9:40–10:25 Mock: Foundation Stage (participant exercise)
10:25–10:40 Break
10:40–11:20 Lecture: Stage 2 overview and the R.O.C.K. framework
11:20–12:10 Exercise: R.O.C.K. skill reps (participant exercise)
12:10–12:25 Break
12:25–1:10 Lecture: intake, screening, and readiness
1:10–1:50 Exercise: intake and screening scenarios
1:50–2:00 Wrap-up

Session 3 – Stage 2: Understanding & Information Gathering (R.O.C.K.) (Cont’d.),

8:30–8:45 Welcome, recap, framing
8:45–9:00 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:00–9:40 Lecture: deepening Stage 2, agenda building, and information management
9:40–10:25 Mock: Stage 2 (participant exercise)
10:25–10:40 Break
10:40–11:20 Lecture: difficult dynamics and staying in the mediator lane
11:20–12:10 Exercise: managing conflict during Stage 2
12:10–12:25 Break
12:25–1:10 Lecture: neutrality, bias, and self-awareness in information gathering
1:10–1:50 Exercise: neutrality and bias scenarios
1:50–2:00 Wrap-up

Session 4 – Managing Subsequent Sessions, Stage 3: Negotiation & Decision Making

8:30–8:45 Welcome, recap, framing
8:45–9:00 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:00–9:40 Lecture: managing subsequent sessions and keeping momentum
9:40–10:25 Mock: managing a follow-up session (participant exercise)
10:25–10:40 Break
10:40–11:20 Lecture: Stage 3 negotiation and decision-making tools
11:20–12:10 Exercise: option generation and reality testing
12:10–12:25 Break
12:25–1:10 Lecture: evaluative techniques and ethical guardrails
1:10–1:50 Exercise: evaluative technique scenarios
1:50–2:00 Wrap-up

Session 5 – Core Communication Skills

8:30–8:45 Welcome, recap, framing
8:45–9:00 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:00–9:40 Lecture: communication fundamentals for mediators
9:40–10:25 Skills lab: listening, summarizing, reframing (participant exercise)
10:25–10:40 Break
10:40–11:20 Lecture: questions, pacing, and managing emotional intensity
11:20–12:10 Skills lab: practice reps
12:10–12:25 Break
12:25–1:10 Lecture: conflict interventions and keeping people productive
1:10–1:50 Skills lab: high-conflict communication scenarios
1:50–2:00 Wrap-up

Session 6 – Advanced Tools & Complex Dynamics, Breakout Sessions

8:30–8:45 Welcome, recap, framing
8:45–9:00 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:00–9:40 Lecture: advanced tools, complex dynamics, and mediator self-regulation
9:40–10:25 Mock: difficult dynamics with breakout strategy (participant exercise)
10:25–10:40 Break
10:40–11:20 Lecture: caucus, breakouts, and reality testing
11:20–12:10 Exercise: breakout planning and execution
12:10–12:25 Break
12:25–1:10 Lecture: reluctant participants, power imbalance, and pre-mediation screening
1:10–1:50 Exercise: advanced scenario work
1:50–2:00 Wrap-up

Session 7 – Domestic Violence, Evaluation Techniques, Reluctant …Dynamics, Parenting Issues, Pre-mediation Consulting & Screening

8:30–8:45 Welcome, recap, framing
8:45–9:00 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:00–9:40 Lecture: domestic violence considerations and screening
9:40–10:25 Exercise: safety and screening scenarios
10:25–10:40 Break
10:40–11:20 Lecture: evaluation techniques and ethical boundaries
11:20–12:10 Exercise: reluctant participant dynamics
12:10–12:25 Break
12:25–1:10 Lecture: parenting issues and child-focused practice
1:10–1:50 Exercise: parenting mediation scenarios
1:50–2:00 Wrap-up

Session 8 – Financial Issues, Stage 4: Finalizing the Agreement,…king with Other Professionals, Capstone: Fishbowl Mock Mediation

8:30–8:45 Welcome, recap, framing
8:45–9:00 Learning objectives and session roadmap
9:00–9:40 Lecture: financial issues in divorce mediation and working with professionals
9:40–10:25 Exercise: financial scenario and process management
10:25–10:40 Break
10:40–11:20 Lecture: Stage 4 and finalizing agreements (CRAFT)
11:20–12:10 Exercise: agreement testing and drafting issues
12:10–12:25 Break
12:25–1:50 Capstone: fishbowl mock mediation (participant exercise)
1:50–2:00 Wrap-up

To give you practical experience for addressing any style and degree of conflict related to divorce and family law using unique and proven mediation tools and techniques.  This is achieved by conducting a basic divorce mediation from start to finish applying Weber Dispute Resoltion’s innovative 5-Stage Mediation Process.  In this 40-hour mediation training, you will learn how to diffuse and cool high conflict situations in mere moments.

• Explain the structure and stages of the divorce mediation process, including appropriate process design for family law matters.

• Apply core mediation principles, including neutrality, informed consent, and client self-determination, within divorce and family conflict contexts.

• Identify and manage ethical role boundaries when serving as a mediator, including distinctions between mediation, therapy, legal advice, and advocacy.

• Use structured mediation tools and techniques to facilitate productive dialogue, manage high-conflict dynamics, and support durable agreements.

• Recognize and address the impact of bias, power imbalances, and emotional dynamics on the mediation process and mediator decision-making.

• Demonstrate professional judgment in complex mediation scenarios, including multi-issue disputes involving parenting, finances, and family restructuring.

Registration cancellations must be submitted in writing to the course provider. Cancellations received at least fourteen (14) calendar days prior to the scheduled course start date are eligible for a full refund, minus any nonrefundable processing fees.

Cancellations received fewer than fourteen (14) calendar days before the course start date are not eligible for a refund; however, participants may request to transfer their registration to a future offering of the same course, subject to availability, within twelve (12) months of the original course date.

No refunds or credits are issued for partial attendance, missed sessions, or failure to attend a course for which the participant is registered.

In the event that Weber Dispute Resolution cancels or reschedules a course, registered participants will be offered the option of a full refund or transfer of registration to a future course date.

Need help?

Contact us for questions related to refunds and returns.

Weber Dispute Resolution maintains a written grievance procedure to ensure that participant concerns are addressed in a reasonable, ethical, and timely manner.

Participants who wish to submit a complaint or grievance related to a continuing education course may do so by submitting the concern in writing by email to the course provider. Grievances should include the participant’s name, course title, course date(s), and a brief description of the issue.

Upon receipt of a grievance, the provider will acknowledge receipt by email within two (2) business days. The Program Administrator will review the grievance, including any relevant course records or materials, and may consult with course instructors as appropriate.

A written response addressing the grievance will be provided within ten (10) business days of acknowledgment. If additional time is required to complete the review, the participant will be notified of the anticipated response timeframe.

All grievances and responses are documented and retained in accordance with continuing education record retention requirements. Reasonable efforts will be made to resolve concerns in a manner consistent with professional, ethical, and regulatory standards.

Weber Dispute Resolution is committed to providing an inclusive learning environment and to making reasonable accommodations for participants with disabilities or other special needs.

Participants who require accommodations to fully participate in a course are encouraged to submit a written request in advance of the course start date. Requests should describe the nature of the accommodation sought and may be submitted by email to info@weberdisputeresolution.com. Advance notice helps ensure that reasonable accommodations can be evaluated and arranged in a timely manner.

Participants who have questions about accommodations or the request process may also contact Weber Dispute Resolution by phone at 858-410-0144 for additional information.

Accommodations will be provided when feasible and consistent with the nature of the course, delivery format, and applicable professional and regulatory standards. For live Zoom trainings, accommodations may include reasonable adjustments related to course materials, communication access, or instructional format, as appropriate.

All accommodation requests will be handled respectfully and confidentially. Weber Dispute Resolution will make reasonable efforts to support participant access while maintaining the integrity of course requirements and learning objectives.