When families go through separation or divorce, it can be an emotional and complex process, especially for children. The Family Law Act encourages parents to consider their child’s safety, stability, and relationship with both parents when making decisions during mediation. However, in many cases, children’s perspectives may be overlooked.
Child-Inclusive Practice as part of Mediation (CIM) helps ensure that children's voices are heard in a safe and supportive way, allowing parents to make informed decisions that truly reflect their child’s needs. CIM promotes healthier post-separation family environments by prioritizing the child’s well-being while guiding parents toward cooperative solutions.
A 2021 government survey found that 68% of families who used mediation, including CIM, reported improved communication between parents, leading to more stable co-parenting arrangements. By incorporating CIM into the mediation process, parents gain insight into their child’s emotional well-being, allowing them to make choices that truly support their child’s needs—both now and in the future.
At Bridge Your Mind Counselling & Hypnotherapy, CIM is offered in collaboration with Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP) to support families in making child-centered parenting decisions.
Here’s how the process works:
Step 1: Session with Parent A
The process begins with an individual session with Parent A to understand their concerns, expectations, and parenting goals. As a registered counsellor and child consultant, I explore their perspective on the family’s situation, existing parenting arrangements, and any challenges impacting the child. This session also introduces Parent A to the CIM process, helping them understand how their child’s voice will be incorporated. Any concerns are addressed here.
Step 2: Session with Parent B
Similarly, Parent B has an individual session to share their insights and parenting concerns. This ensures that both parents are given an equal opportunity to express their perspectives. These initial discussions allow me to assess family dynamics and prepare for the next phase: engaging with the child.
Step 3: Session with the Child
I will meet with the child in a safe, neutral, and age-appropriate setting. This can be done online too. The goal is not to place the child in the middle of parental conflict but to provide them with a voice in the mediation process.
During this session, I engage the child using evidence-based techniques such as play, drawing, and guided conversations to help them express their thoughts and emotions. This process ensures that the child’s well-being is prioritized and that their feelings, wishes, and concerns are gathered in a sensitive, non-intrusive manner.
Step 4: Feedback Session with Parents and the Mediator
Following the child’s session, a feedback session is conducted with both parents and the Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP).
This session provides:
✅ A summary of the child's feelings and perspectives, ensuring their voice is considered.
✅ Guidance on how family decisions impact the child, fostering greater parental awareness.
✅ Strategies to support the child, including ways to improve communication and stability.
The feedback is constructive, helping parents understand their child’s experience without placing blame or pressure on either parent.
Step 5: Developing a Child-Centered Parenting Plan
Using the insights gained from the CIM process, the FDRP continues the mediation work with the parents to develop a child-centered parenting agreement.
This plan aims to:
✔️ Prioritize the child’s emotional and psychological well-being.
✔️ Encourage positive co-parenting and conflict resolution.
✔️ Ensure stable and secure living arrangements for the child.
By focusing on the child’s needs, parents are more likely to reach agreements that create a supportive post-separation family environment.
Why Choose Child-Inclusive Mediation at Bridge Your Mind?
At Bridge Your Mind Counselling & Hypnotherapy, we recognize that separation is challenging for families, especially children. As a registered counsellor and child consultant, I provide a safe and supportive space for children to express their feelings while equipping parents with evidence-based strategies to support them.
✅ Neutral, child-focused approach – ensuring children feel heard without being caught in conflict.
✅ Tailored guidance for parents – helping them understand and support their child’s emotional needs.
✅ Collaborative mediation with FDRPs – promoting cooperative and sustainable parenting arrangements.
By prioritizing the child's voice, CIM helps families navigate separation in a way that minimizes harm and promotes healthy long-term relationships.
Would you like to explore how Bridge Your Mind Counselling & Hypnotherapy can support your family through this process?
Get in touch today - https://www.bridgeyourmind.com/contact or Call 0493647956
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