Anderson Psychological Services assists families who are trying to mediate issues that impact the children through the Child Inclusive Mediation process as the Child Consultant.  Dr. Anderson is able to work with a variety of mediators of your choice, or can provide the names of mediators with either a legal or mental health background who are thought to be especially skilled in mediating challenging topics experienced by a family. 

What is Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM)?

Child Inclusive Mediation (CIM) is a time-limited, focused process developed to assist separated or divorced parents who are interested in finding resolution in a manner that addresses given circumstances while supporting the children.  The process involves a Mediator and a Child Consultant.  The role of the Child Consultant is to understand and highlight the children’s perspective.  Aspects of child development, and select themes and messages, are shared with the parents during a feedback session scheduled as part of a subsequent mediation meeting.  While engaging in a dynamic discussion during the feedback session, the Child Consultant encourages the parents to be present and focused on the feelings and expressed needs of the children, rather than the legal argument and self-interest.  Consistent with standard mediation practices, information discussed with Dr. Anderson, as the Child Consultant, or presented during the feedback portion of mediation, is confidential.  

Can we have our children meet with a child consultant as part of a parenting consulting process?

In addition to mediation, Dr. Anderson also supports parents and children as the Child Consultant as parents are addressing an issue within the parenting consulting process.  Similar to CIM, Dr. Anderson would meet with each parent prior to meeting with the children.  Information is provided to the parenting consultant and the parents as a group.  Future participation by the Child Consultant may be requested to provide updates on progress, or clarification may be helpful if there are new concerns or continued areas of vulnerability to be monitored.  A Safe Harbor Agreement would protect the information provided to Dr. Anderson by the participating children.