Facilitation FAQs for Legal Professionals and Parents
What makes you qualified to be a facilitator?
Texas requires me to be a fully licensed mental health professional, as well as to have 40 hours of training in topics such as child development, family violence, ethics, legal issues, and mediation. I can provide proof of all required training and licensure upon request.
What approach do you take to facilitation?
I incorporate questionnaires and screeners of both parents and child(ren) to understand how everyone is feeling and coping regarding family dynamics. From there, I can take an individualized approach to support, educate, and encourage caregivers and lower conflict levels in the hopes of coming to an agreement.
Why should I/we choose you over other facilitators?
In addition to having the required forty hours and professional license, my doctoral degree was focused on research related to high conflict divorce and the dynamics of parent child attachment in strained co parenting. This makes me uniquely positioned to assess and provide support grounded in evidence.
How do you deliver facilitation services?
Contact is hybrid. Most interactions are virtual to make things more convenient, although in person meetings can be arranged if necessary (meeting with a child, for instance). I can meet with caregivers individually or jointly, or a combination of both.
When would facilitation be held? What hours do you keep?
I operate on an appointment basis, however I advise potential clients that I operate within normal business hours such as Mon-Fri 9-5. If potential clients would not be able to for the majority of meetings work within these timeframes, I may not be a good fit.
What are your rates for facilitation?
The initial retainer is 800 per party (each parent), and hourly rate for services is 160.00, billed at .15 hours. I require a court order to begin facilitation as well as the retainer from both parties.
Do you offer free consultation so I can see if you’re the right fit?
Of course! Parents and/or their legal representatives are free to schedule a meeting with me via teleconference to assess fit. Keep in mind that I do not work for any one person and I am not anyone’s therapist, nor can I ever be anyone’s therapist once I have worked with a family in a facilitator capacity. Consulting with me does not make me your therapist or your facilitator. I am always a neutral party.
When we meet how long will it take?
Time management is important. I like to keep initial consultations to 30 minutes, and facilitation sessions to 1 hour, although length can be shorter or longer based on need, and can vary depending on progress or lack thereof.