Lunch & Learn: Abuse…Alienation? The tip of the iceberg

Abuse  and alienation represent merely the tip of the iceberg when it comes to  understanding the full extent of the issues at hand in high conflict  cases. Beneath the surface lies a vast and complex web of emotional,  psychological, and social factors that contribute to the experiences of  the family and negative outcomes such as a child resisting contact with a  parent. Truly address these issues, it is essential to delve deeper  into the underlying causes and provide comprehensive support that goes  beyond addressing the visible symptoms.

Join us for this August Lunch and Learn on talking about factors that  contribute to high-conflict and approaching work with clients!

Learning Objectives:

1. Define and deepen understanding of the terms "abuse," "alienation," and "estrangement"
2. Apply the terms as each occurs in cases with resist-refuse dynamics
3. Discern how professional role (ADR, therapist, attorney, judicial  officer, parenting coordinator) impacts concepts and dynamics in a  family
4. Identify questions and strategies to clarify  dynamics when there is lack of progress in a case involving  abuse/alienation/estrangement

Speaker Bios:

M. Boulette, family law attorney and chair of Taft, Stettinius and  Hollister's national Domestic Relations Practice.  They serve as  advocate for clients facing challenging family law situations including  divorce, child custody, family law appeals, and issues involving LGBTQ+  families.

The Hon. Elizabeth A. Clysdale, judicial referee for the 2nd  Judicial District Court of Minnesota.  She was appointed to the bench by  the Chief Judge of the 2nd Judicial District in 2015.

Jenni McBride McNamara, an experienced Licensed Marriage and Family  Therapist who specializes in working with high conflict families of  divorce. Jenni is also the Developer and Program Director of the High  Conflict Relationship Therapy Certificate Program.

Ice Berg Graphic Link