Intro to Family Systems Workshop

If you are working with families of any kind, this is a MUST! The workshop covers various aspects of family systems thinking and theory in the context of mediation. It discusses the importance of understanding systems thinking for the mediator, the problems with scapegoating in dysfunctional systems, managing emotional force-fields during conflicts, the impact of triangulation, the effects of change on systems, the power of emotional maturity, and the guidance provided by systems thinking in mediation. 

“The Issue Is Never the Issue” - The Curiosity and Clarity Found in Systems Thinking and Theory (Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT)

• Teaching and discussion around the discernment systems thinking affords the mediator.

“Who’s to Blame Here?” - The Problems With Scapegoating in Systems (Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT)

• Teaching and discussing the need for dysfunctional systems to find and fix the identified patient.  Some discussion around generational transmission (Bowen), from generation to generation (Friedman)

“The Tension is Thick in Here!” - The Emotional Force-Field in Systems (Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT)

• Teaching and discussion around chronic and acute anxiety and how to manage the mediator’s anxiety during conflict.

“But Don’t Tell Mom!”—The Impact of Triangulation in Systems (Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT)

• Teaching and discussion around emotional triangles, how to disentangle them in the system, and how to keep the mediator from being triangulated.

"What's under the hood?" Family Diagrams as a Tool - Visualizing the Emotional Procceses in the family (Mike & Kristine Stensland)

• Teaching, example, and testing out a new tool for mediator's intake processes.

“Things Were Better Here Before . . . .” - The ‘Mobile-Effect’ of Change in Systems (Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT)

• Teaching and discussion around homeostasis and how change, even positive change, temporarily disrupts the system

“Be Still and Know”—-The Power of Emotional Maturity and a Non-Anxious Presence in Systems (Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT)

• Teaching and discussion on how to empower the system's motivated (emotionally mature) parts toward greater health.

“So What?” — How Systems Thinking Guides Our Mediation Venues (Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT)

• Teaching and discussing how indispensable systems thinking and theory are to effective mediation.

Dr. Dan Rotach, LMFT leads our workshop. Dan joins our staff team as a lifelong practitioner of family systems theory, is a family mediator, pastor, college professor, and grandpa. You'll love his approach and guidance to deepen your knowledge as a highly effective Restorative Family Mediator. 

Mike and Kristine Stensland are partners of The Katallasso Group. Blending.Love will introduce you to a remarkable tool for your practice. You'll get a chance to practice the tool and learn how this can support your work. Mike and Kristine have experienced divorce and blended family life. They show up alongside our work as colleagues, allies, and friends to strengthen relationships and prevent fallout. They have a specific focus on the couple relationship.

Lunch is potluck style for those attending at The Nest Retreat Center.  Bring a small dish, salad, or dessert to pass!

Family Diagram (Blending.Love) is also included.