Australian Institute of Family Studies

Practice Profile

Mediationlab - Communication Conflict Management and Dispute Resolution

Contact details

Agency: Mediationlab

Address: 2 Fergusson Square
Toorak Gardens, SA, 5065

Contact: Monica Sanders
Primary Dispute Resolution Practitioner / Pregnancy Support Counsellor
Phone: 08 8332 2472 / 040 772 5924
Email: info@mediationlab.com.au

Website: www.mediationlab.com.au

Funding source

Completely self funded

Program duration and frequency

All services include a no obligation complimentary initial assessment.
No service should require more than 10 hours per program per client.

Services include:
Family Dispute Resolution :  3 hour session
Alternative dispute resolution aimed to improve dialogue between disputants in order to reach an agreement.  Specific services include:  60I certificate for separating and divorcing parties.
Counselling / Communications: 1 hour session
Meeting between practitioner and client to encourage an effective method of untangling thoughts and contextualizing a goal focused future.  Specific services include:  Pregnancy support counselling, life after separation and divorce, couples, parents, adolescents intervention.
Advocacy:  1 hour session
Practical support and assistance for client representation, assistance and support to determine future steps i.e. ATO, Centrelink, Child Support Agency, Housing and Tenancy.

Program description

Due to the commencement of the Family Law Amendment (Shared Responsibility) Act 2006 and the Medicare Pregnancy Support Counsellor initiative 2006, Mediationlab was established in 2007.  Mediationlab was established with a particular view to cater for private clients with high public profiles and community standing in a non-centre environment.  Clients who feel they are not allowed to have life issues due to their success often find it difficult to be human without the pressure of being publicly scrutinised.

Seeking support services can be a daunting task.  At what is often a difficult time for clients, Mediationlab strives to preserve an effective and pleasant practice experience. 
Clients who are uncomfortable with attending busy relationship centres are ensured privacy and an independent non-legal and non-medical service.

Mediationlab promotes simple practice objectives to meet client needs, develop their potential and foster client’s control over their lives in a timely and cost effective manner.

Mediationlab strives to:

Geographical Area

Target Group

  • Women
  • Men
  • Children
  • Young people
  • Families
  • Elderly people
  • Couples
  • CALD communities
  • People with disabilities
  • Service providers
  • Teachers/educators
  • Students

Is the program based on an existing program or training model?

Yes

What was the name of the existing program?

Associate Professor Dale Bagshaw’s theories of conflict and conflict management.

What was the country of origin of the program?

South Australia - Australia

What was the original target group?
All groups

Is the program/practice based on the findings from empirical research, theory and/or a particular framework/model?

Yes
Briefly explain the research and/or framework model and the way this influences or informs the intended outcomes and objectives of the program/practice.

Framework/models:  handling, management and resolution
Theories:  communication, family, family systems, cultural, negotiation, cognitive behaviour, transformation of conflicts and disputes, successful conflict resolution

www.unisanet.unisa.edu.au/staff/Homepage.asp?Name=Dale.Bagshaw

In what way does this research and/or framework model influence or inform the intended outcomes and objectives of the program / parctice?
Exploration under what conditions mediation can be successful, particularly the prerequisites relating to the parties, their relationships, the nature of the conflict, the mediator and the environment.

Has the program/practice been the subject of evaluation?

No

Will the program/practice be subject to evaluation ?

Yes

If yes, what methods will be used?
Written

What gaps in research and practice models/frameworks did you find in developing your program/practice?

Too early to advise

< Back to Practice Profiles Menu

^ Top