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Family Mediation Training -(Separating/Divorcing Couples)
40 Hour Training Programme
Spring 2025
Course Description
Become a family mediator and support separating couples, families, and children through one of the most challenging transitions in their lives. This professional training programme is designed to equip qualified mediators with the advanced skills and knowledge necessary to manage separating couples' mediations with competence, sensitivity, and confidence.
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Accredited by the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII), this rigorous and comprehensive training is delivered by experienced professionals who provide expert guidance, practical tools, and ongoing support throughout the learning journey. The programme includes 8 online sessions (4 hours each) and 1 full-day, in-person session. In addition to the live training, learners are expected to complete approximately 28 hours of self-directed study and coursework to meet assessment requirements.
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This course is a formal requirement for certified or advanced members of the MII who wish to specialise and practice as separating couples’ mediators.
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What the programme offers?
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Professional Accreditation
- The course is designed to equip qualified mediators with the skills and knowledge needed to become an accredited family mediator with the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII), fulfilling a formal requirement for certified or advanced MII members who wish to specialise in this area.
Advanced Mediation Skills
It provides advanced skills to manage separating couples' mediations with competence and confidence, enabling participants to mediate in a variety of family settings and handle difficult conversations with emotional intelligence.
Practical Tools and Expert Guidance
The program offers practical tools and ongoing support from experienced professionals through a blended learning approach that includes 8 online sessions and 1 full-day in-person session, along with self-directed study.
Career Specialisation and Practice
By completing the course, participants will gain a qualification that allows them to practice as a separating couples' mediator and manage their own mediations, helping families make decisions about their lives after separation or divorce.
Main Benefits​​
Versatile Mediation Skills
Achieve MII Accreditation
Guidance Through Transition
You’ll learn how to mediate in a variety of family settings, adapting to different needs and situations.
Valuable Certification
You’ll gain the skills and knowledge needed to become an MII accredited family mediator.
Emotional Intelligence
Help families make critical decisions about their lives after divorce or separation.
Join a Supportive Community
Gain a family mediation qualification that equips you to manage your own mediations effectively.
Learn how to deal with difficult conversations in a calm and emotionally intelligent way.
Become part of a team that helps people navigate difficult times in their lives.
Course Requirements
The Family (Separating Couples) Mediation Training Programme is intended for qualified mediators who meet all three of the following criteria:
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Have successfully completed an MII recognised Certified Mediation Training Programme
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Have successfully completed the MII Certified Assessment (an in-person assessment)
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Are a Certified or Advanced Member of the Mediators’ Institute of Ireland (MII)
This training is mandatory for MII members who intend to practise as mediators working with separating couples. Evidence of the above prerequisites must be provided prior to acceptance onto the course.
Dates
Session 1
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Date: Tuesday, 4th February 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Session 2
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Date: Thursday, 6th February 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Session 3
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Date: Tuesday, 18th February 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Session 4
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Date: Thursday, 20th February 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Session 5
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Date: Tuesday, 25th February 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Session 6
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Date: Thursday, 27th February 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Session 7
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Date: Thursday, 6th March 2025
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Time: 9:15 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
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Format: In-Person Training, Cork City Venue
Session 8
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Date: Tuesday, 18th March 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Session 9
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Date: Thursday, 20th March 2025
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Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
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Format: Online
Trainer
Ber Barry-Murray
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Ber is an advanced accredited mediator with the Mediators Institute of Ireland, with 20 years experience as an active mediator, having qualified in the Family Mediation Service in 2000.
In addition to her extensive work in mediating with families, she is on the Council of MII, with responsibility for the family sector. She has led the team who developed the template and guidelines on Separation Mediation Settlements; Parenting Mediation Settlements and Child Support Mediation Settlements.
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Ber is on the panel of assessors for Advanced Mediators with MII, on the panel of mediators for the Medical Council, and panels for mediation in some of the large universities. She has mediated cases in family separation/divorce, child issues (both direct and indirect work with children), foster and family law cases.
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Ber designed the family separating couples mediation training for MII in 2010 and has delivered and developed this programme since that time. She brings extensive experience to the training in working with families, and delivers a practical applied programme through case study application.
