Testimonials for CIMC

*Feedback from Nairobi, Kenya*

“The CIMC Online Training course proved very relevant for my PhD thesis. I gained deep understanding and valuable insights into the do’s and don’ts of child participation in divorce mediation. The course is beautifully written and read out in an easy and flowing manner. It offers practical nuggets for would-be and practising mediators on how to identify and listen to the voice of the child in divorce cases. The information, the procedures and the methods delineated in the course are not only timely but timeless. Timely for this time when the clamour for the recognition of child as the most vulnerable stakeholder in divorce is rising to a higher crescendo and timeless in that they will go a long way in guiding future practitioners. I remain forever grateful for the opportunity and the privilege I had to go through this course, it inspired me a great deal and I look forward to becoming a better mediator and educator for future mediators. I owe the author, Professor McIntosh, a heavy debt of gratitude for the beautiful work of compiling and availing this course. It is a masterpiece of peerless authorship and an experiential journey in child participation in divorce mediation.“

Vivian Nyaata
Family Mediator
Researcher Nairobi
Kenya 2017

*Feedback from Galway, Ireland*

“I’ve had the pleasure of attending Prof Jenn McIntosh’s in-person Child Inclusive Practice Training in Brisbane in 2009. Since then, Jenn has been an enormous source of support to me as a mediation practitioner and as a researcher. In 2011, I had the pleasure of spending five weeks at her clinic in Melbourne where I observed her ‘hands-on’. Jenn is to be congratulated for providing this ‘Child Inclusive Mediation and Counselling Online’ training program as it provides not only a sound, evidence-based theoretical basis for the work, it also provides the nearest one can come to ‘hands-on’ experiences of working directly with children and their parents during the difficult transition from intact to separated/divorced family.

The provision of course hand-outs, which can be retained for future reference, are a very useful resource while the additional course materials in the form of video presentations and recommended readings provide invaluable examples for practitioners.

The assessment of the programme is based exclusively on knowledge gained through each unit, thus ensuring that participants cannot progress to subsequent units until they demonstrate this knowledge. Additional assessment that demonstrates subjective understanding of Child Inclusive Practice might enhance overall learning from this important course. I would suggest that this be completed three months following the completion of the on-line programme.

What shines through this program is Jenn’s ability to provide empathy for all involved, whilst retaining an emphasis on the needs of children and young people throughout every aspect of the training program.”

Ann O’Kelly, PhD
Family Mediator, Researcher
Galway, Ireland
2017

*Feedback from Johannesburg*

“I travelled twice from South Africa to attend Jenn’s workshops in Melbourne, Australia. First I completed the three-day Child-Informed Family Dispute Resolution training in 2012, and then returned to complete the Advanced Training two-day program in Child-Inclusive Mediation – “Working with Complex High Conflict Cases”, in 2014.

Jenn is an exceptional trainer for so many reasons: the substance and content of her trainings have the combination of breath and depth, she shares her clinical experience and wisdom in a way that brings the subject matter alive, she holds and contains the training process in a manner that optimises learning for the participants, and she has a wonderful presence in the way that she delivers the material. It was a wonderful, meaningful experience having had the opportunity to train under Jenn in person.

Jenn has remarkably been able to translate her CIMC training into an online platform. The online programme does not disappoint. The programme includes the full scope of what a practitioner needs to know in order to do this work in a thorough, considered and respectful way. The theory and practice is framed within a psychological paradigm that has depth and gravitas and it is backed up by sound research. The course is dense in its detail and substance and at the same time it is presented in such a way that it is accessible and easy to take in and assimilate. The content includes handouts, video-clips and diagrams. The layout and sequencing of the content is interesting and works well, and Jenn’s voice-over is rich, descriptive and full of wisdom. Jenn’s deep respect for families and their unique circumstances comes through strongly throughout the training, which creates a mindset for professionals working in the field to do this work responsibly, with discernment, and bearing in mind the safety of parents and children.

I would highly recommend the online training to professionals working in the field of CIMC. There is no doubt that you will complete the course feeling enriched, more confident and filled up with the most current research, information and experience in the world of child inclusive mediation and counseling work.”

Sheetal Vallabh
Clinical Psychologist, Family & Divorce Mediator, Attorney (non-practising)
Johannesburg, South Africa
2016

*Feedback from New York*

“I made the big trip to Melbourne last year, and took the in-person intermediate training with Jenn in CI and then, most recently, the online course. Going to Australia to do the in-person training was and will remain a special experience for me. Having the opportunity to meet and train with Jenn, get acquainted with Australian colleagues, and spend time hanging out with her and them was quite memorable. However there are some advantages of the online training over the in-person course. When doing the in-person course I tried to take as thorough notes as I could and later transcribed them. Nevertheless I am sure that there were things that I missed. One advantage of the online course is that one has the opportunity to pause the presentation and go back and replay it to make sure that nothing is missed and the material is understood. Also the online course was more comprehensive than the two-day intermediate training in CI that I had.

This online course gives mental health professionals and mediators considering doing child-inclusive work a thorough grounding in the principles and techniques involved in this process. Quite comprehensive both in the breadth and depth it covers regarding the different aspects of child inclusive mediation, the course material is well produced and very clearly presented in formats that support learning and mastery. Not only are Prof. McIntosh’s lectures accompanied by slides, handouts, exercises, and recommended readings, the techniques being described are also demonstrated in videos showing exactly how this work is done with children and parents. In addition to facilitating learning, the videos also provide the opportunity to observe Dr. McIntosh’s masterful approach to this challenging and rewarding work. I could not imagine more highly recommending this course to mental health professionals and mediators interested in developing their skills in this process so that they can better incorporate it into the family law components of their practices.”

Bruce Berman, PhD
Psychologist, Couples and Family Therapist, Divorce Coach, Child Specialist, and Parenting Coordinator
New York, USA
2015

“This online training is of an exceptional standard. I am clarifying a great deal in all my therapeutic work with children because of undertaking the program. Huge compliments to Jennifer McIntosh for her considerable learning and efforts in passing on this material.”
Family & Relationship Counsellor
Tasmania, Australia
2017

“I first had the incomparable opportunity to spend time learning from and with Dr. McIntosh five years ago, when she devoted time in Minnesota to training those in our community who are the most specialized and experienced in working with families going through separation and divorce. Our goal, which we share with Dr. McIntosh and her colleagues abroad, has been consistently to engage in proactive and preventive support prior to the development of the very high conflict which may arise in such situations, leaving the children in the middle of loyalty binds that are essentially unresolvable short of one parent’s taking the in-parent role and the other parent’s being conscribed to the out-parent role. CIMC makes titanic strides in supporting parents as they work to make child-focused decisions, to  consider the specific developmental strengths and needs of their children, and to create a strong bridge for the children.
The more recently developed on-line CIMC course provides even more comprehensively the conceptual, developmental, and practice-based information relative to this process. Dr. McIntosh’s manner of presentation drives home for us as professionals the contribution to best-practice of both science/research and art. Utilizing a multifaceted approach that includes well-structured and sequenced lectures, case references, video, self-assessment questions, and additional resources, Dr. McIntosh helps us embed ourselves in strongly motivated learning. Watching and hearing Dr. McIntosh as she shares her invaluable work allows us to acquire knowledge and skills from her very polished, compassionate, and respectful approach to clients. The work we do is both demanding and satisfying; to do it well requires the ongoing learning and grace that Dr. McIntosh offers.
I highly recommend this course to colleagues involved in family law and related mental health best practice.”

Gay Rosenthal
Psychologist, Child, Adult, Marriage, and Family Therapist, Parenting Coordinator, Mediator, Parent Coach
Minnesota, United States
2016

“This course is user friendly and informative. It is comprehensive and allows you to go at your own pace.
As well as a PowerPoint presentation narrated by Professor Jenn McIntosh there are handouts, videos and case studies to watch. There are also recommended readings and suggested tools to use when meeting with children.
I am thoroughly enjoying the course and I’m looking forward to putting my knowledge into practice once I complete the course.”

Tracy Hansen
Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner

Victoria, Australia
2016

“Since starting the course I have been stimulated to think deeply about how I can work more effectively with better outcomes for children within the constraints of my current workplace, using some different strategies with parents.  I’m also considering how I can work more collaboratively in an upcoming feedback session with a child consult.  I have appreciated Jenn’s explanations of a range of tools and how to use them.  I’m really enjoying the course and will be looking for more when I finish!”

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
New South Wales, Australia
2016

“I found the course very thorough and the videos a wonderful resource where it brought all the academic work together. It was wonderful to see the academic information put into practice. I would recommend this course and have gained excellent insight and knowledge and look forward to further developing and refining these skills.”

Relationship Counsellor
Victoria, Australia
2016

“I am enjoying the course a great deal. It is lovely hearing Jenn’s voice any time I choose to study.”

Psychologist
Minnesota, United States
2016

“I am enjoying the course and am learning heaps that I intend to put into practice in my work. I also watched other videos on the website. Your approach in the parent’s group is so open. You acknowledge where each of the participants is at and present them with another viewpoint to consider in a way that does not create barriers for them. I am looking forward to meeting you in person at some point.”

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
New South Wales, Australia
2015

“I am really enjoying the course, and finding it valuable. Thanks for making such a good resource available online. For practitioners like me, in rural areas, this is a real boon: good quality CPD and no travel and accommodation costs! I have been telling colleagues around the world about this great course.
I am currently working through the long unit on the methods of a child consultation. Most interesting, and a useful array of assessment tools. I like the hermeneutic approach.”

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
New South Wales, Australia
2015

“Have really enjoyed this informative course. Would love to get full certification.”

Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner
New South Wales, Australia
2015

Children Inclusive Mediation Professional Resources