Family Workshops

The "A Time for Everything" workshop is an opportunity to reconnect as a family. While many participants are court-referred cases, some families use the workshop as a way to strengthen family relationships across single or multiple generations. This is a case-specific solution-focused approach originally designed for mild to moderate alienation/estrangement cases -- situations when a child (or children) is having significant difficulties managing the relationship with one or both parents during or after a separation or divorce.

The workshop is not a fact finding blame-based intervention. Nor is it a custodial evaluation. Instead, it is an alternative to traditional interventions for families that are seeking ways to connect, break down barriers between family members and repair existing or past difficulties.

Who Should Participate:

Families that have been alienated or distanced from each other by the challenges and pressures of everyday life are excellent candidates for participation. The workshop is particularly valuable for separating and divorcing families but families simply looking to connect or reconnect with each other are appropriate.

A unique aspect of this work as it relates to separated and divorced situations is that we ask both parents to be involved in the healing process. Every case is unique and is handled on an individual basis. Because of the case-specific nature of the intervention, each family will have a different treatment plan. In some cases, all family members will be asked to participate. In some situations it can include grandparents or other significant members of a child's life.

Goals and Objectives:

1. To eliminate the conflict between the children and each of the parents to allow for healthier relationships.
2. To facilitate, repair, and strengthen child relationship with both parents.
3. Help family and children untangle difficulties created or worsened by court and court's involvement.
4. Help children rebuild a relationship with longevity with both parents.
5. Encourage and foster a working relationship for the entire family by promoting a balanced perspective and an inclusive solution-focused perspective.
6. Strengthen compassion and communication skills.
7. Help empower both parents to be effective parents.

Our case-specific approach includes an assessment of suitability for this type of intervention. including:

• A brief review of the case particularities and referral options.
• Our highly innovative experiential/educational workshop for families incorporating equine-assisted growth and learning techniques.
• An alternative workshop, which does not include an experiential element is an option.
• We also offer weekly sessions with the child and least favored parent with a focus on reunification.
• Referrals to workshop for severe alienation.
• Custodial evaluation referral.

"A Time for Everything" Workshop Outline:

The workshop consists of a series of educational sessions, discussion groups, and experiential exercises - some of which utilize horses in an equine-assisted growth and learning module.

Day 1

Workshop Orientation:* Educational/experiential session addresses the case specifications of the approach and the non-blaming focus. Following orientation, we will breakout into smaller groups.

• Phase 1: Favored parent and children participate in this session.
  
• Phase 2: This child-focused session addresses the intent to get them out of middle and to
  achieve a family generated solution to conflict in family.
• Phase 3: Children and least favored parent participate in this session.

Day 2

The morning workshop session includes discussion and a series of experiential/educational exercises designed to encourage exploration of perspective, perception, and communications.

After lunch, discussion and exercises continue. We have an afternoon break planned.

Dinner tonight will be prepared by family members and least favored parent. Inclusion of both parents is best in order to achieve program objectives.

Day 3

Utilizing an equine-assisted growth and learning exercise, the morning session will focus on communications and working together.

Following lunch, the afternoon will be comprised of the parent educational component. Baby-sitting will be provided for children as necessary.

Dinner on own this evening.

Day 4

This final group session features exercises that focus on the skills learned
throughout the weekend.

Group meeting and outline for ongoing support suggestions.

* The opening session is designed to utilize an equine-assisted module but can be adapted
without the horses.

Post-workshop options:

Options include continued contact with facilitator. Referral to another trained professional and a synopsis of workshop can be accommodated. In some cases parents will request assistance in modifying custodial documents. In select cases, this is acceptable if the modification is mutual and is submitted to attorneys and the court by involved parties.

Location of workshops:

We conduct workshops in the Sonoma area primarily, but arrangements can be made to bring the program to various locations throughout California and, in some cases, to other states. Contact Dr. Bailey's office for more information about scheduling and potential locations.

Duration:

Ideally, workshops are three and a half days but can vary in duration depending on availability of participants,. logistical issues, or time constraints. The exact schedule of each workshop is agreed upon prior to the commencement of the workshop. In most cases three to four days is necessary with an 8-hour day being the norm. An overall cost for the workshop can be arranged prior to the start of the program.

Accommodations:

Travel arrangements and lodging are the responsibility of the participants. However, group or "best" rates for lodging accommodations is most often arranged by workshop facilitator. Information concerning travel arrangements and accommodations will be distributed to participants upon registration.

Registration & Scheduling:

For more information about the "A Time for Everything" workshop, scheduling, and registration fees, please contact Dr. Bailey's office at: (707) 939-0654.