A VADR hybrid CPD event was held on Wednesday 22 October. The evening featured a presentation from Susan Hamilton-Green on the topic ‘Learnings from mental health and their impact on dispute resolution’.
There is nothing like lived experience to promote insight and understanding, and gain wisdom to improve outcomes. Sue was keen to share reflections arising from her own recent experiences of those with mental health challenges, and the impact of this on her practice in dispute resolution.
Mental health can be affected by having a bad day, suffering from anxiety or depression, or coping with challenging personality traits or a mental illness. One in three people around us are having these experiences, so this is an issue that cannot be ignored or minimised.
Sue shared the deeply personal experience of exposure to mental health issues and what this means for engagement, deep listening, decision-making, and dispute resolution. Participants were encouraged to consider how this affects capacity, respect for differences, priorities and values; to share their own stories around this crucial topic; and to workshop strategies supporting those in this space to make their best decisions and live their best lives. Hopefully, the overall result of the exercise was greater understanding.
Susan Hamilton-Green is a Melbourne-based family lawyer, mediator, researcher and teacher. She has been a specialist in Family Law (LIV) since 1990, and is very experienced in parenting and financial matters. As an ICL, Susan has also been a specialist in Mediation (LIV) since 1993 and a registered FDRP. She is a trainer, arbitrator and conflict coach, and provides mediation training, coaching and supervision. Susan undertakes private mediation, as well as FDR conferences through Victoria Legal Aid. She is also a lecturer for the College of Law, one of the principals of InTandem Legal Services and the principal of Creative Family Law Solutions.
