The FLA held a free online talk on 12th June 2024 by Jodie Grant. Jodie holds a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Social Works, Masters of Conflict Resolution (specialising in Family Law Mediation), Graduate Diploma in Family Dispute Resolution and a Certificate IV in Training and Assessment. She also has accreditations as a Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (AAGD), Mediator (under the National Mediator Accreditation System) and as a Restorative Engagement Facilitator with the Defence Abuse Response Taskforce.
Jodie first began as a social worker working with Melbourne’s homeless population providing crisis accommodation counselling, support and advocacy. In her Dispute Resolution practice, she is a registered and accredited Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner and Nationally accredited Mediator, Jodie’s professional mediation practice includes family dispute resolution (assisting separating couples with parenting and popery matters), family mediations, parent-adolescent mediations, elder mediations and workplace mediations – all with a focus on relationship issues.
Jodie has trained FDRPs and mediators (including accreditation) for many years, this has included developing and running accredited courses. She has a variety of training / education roles contracting as a coach, sessional teacher, and guest lecturer for many of Australia’s universities in their FDR, Mediation and Dispute Resolution Law courses including RMIT, College of Law, Bond University, Monash University, La Trobe University and Melbourne University. Additionally, Jodie develops and presents a wide range of bespoke Professional Development training options and short courses both specialised and general, tailored programs within the Not for Profit (NFP) sector, community services, welfare education, and legal services fields.
Jodie has worked as a senior Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (Family Mediator) for over 20 years in her private practice Shifting Sands, and for organisations including Victoria Legal Aid Relationships AAustralia and Centacare. She continues her practice and supervision of practice.
Trauma-informed practice is a crucial skill for family lawyers. Global estimates point to 75% of the population having suffered trauma. Many people live with it and are impacted by the annoying effects of it. Here’s why it matters and how it can benefit both lawyers and clients:
- Understanding Trauma:
- Trauma includes overwhelming experiences like accidents, abuse, or sudden loss of a loved one.
- Trauma awareness means understanding possible trauma responses.
- Trauma is a state of high arousal. It is an event or evets in which a person is threatened or feels threatened. The experience of trauma overwhelms the person’s capacity to cope. Trauma also describes the impacts of the event or events. (Blue Knot Foundation)
- Benefits for Lawyers:
- Reduced Burnout: Recognising trauma helps lawyers manage their own stress and emotional well-being.
- Improved Client Relationships: Lawyers who understand trauma can build trust and rapport with clients.
- Enhanced Decision-Making: Trauma-informed lawyers make better decisions by considering clients’ emotional states.
- Benefits for Clients:
- Safety and Empowerment: Trauma-informed lawyers create a safe environment, empowering clients to share their experiences.
- Healing-Centered Approach: Lawyers focus on healing rather than retraumatisation.
- Better Outcomes: Clients may feel understood and supported, leading to improved decision making abilities and outcomes.
In summary, adopting a trauma-informed approach can improve family lawyers’ practice by fostering empathy, reducing stress, and ultimately benefiting their clients.