(Janet R. Johnston, 2001)
"...a practical, compassionate, nuts-and-bolts guide to understanding and working with parents in ways that will protect children."

(Albert M. Bonin, 2001)
"...essential reading for all new and experienced practitioners involved in high-conflict management."

(Honorable Arline Rotman, 2001)
"...provides solid and comprehensive information about the extraordinarily complex role of Parent Coordinators."

Book Description
Families engaged in contentious, highly adversarial, and prolonged conflict before and during divorce often remain embattled afterward as well. As professionals are increasingly being called upon to provide post-divorce intervention, having the knowledge and skills required to manage high-conflict situations is crucial. This practical handbook defines the dynamics of high conflict, explains its impact on children, identifies the specific role of the professional, and offers specific techniques that have proven helpful. Distilled from their extensive experience in dealing with such families, the authors present a new dispute-resolution process that helps parents reduce conflict and protect the well-being of their children. Key elements in the success of this process are the professionals defining exactly what kind of services they will provide and the use of contracts and protocols with their clients. To facilitate the integration of this approach into professional practice, the book contains forms, contracts, and checklists that are currently being used in multiple high-conflict management models. This book is an invaluable resource for professionals, whether preparing them for specialized roles such as Parent Coordinator, Special Master, or Guardian ad litem, or expanding their understanding of the dynamics and management of high-conflict situations in general practice.

About the Author
Mitchell Baris, Ph.D., is a practicing therapist, evaluator, mediator, expert witness, and consultant in the Boulder, Colorado area. With Carla Garrity, he co-authored Children of Divorce, and together they conduct training in high-conflict mediation. Christine A. Coates, M.Ed., J.D., is a family law attorney and adjunct professor of domestic relations at the University of Colorado School of Law and of family ADR at the University of Denver. Betsy Barbour Duvall, M.S.W., a board-certified diplomate in clinical social work, is a psychotherapist and mediator in private practice in Denver. A member of the National Association of Social Workers, she has been chair of the Colorado chapter's ethics committee. Carla B. Garrity, Ph.D., is a child psychologist who formed The Neuro Developmental Center for the evaluation and treatment of children, and taught child psycho pathology at the University of Denver. With Mitchell Baris, she has authored Caught in the Middle and Through the Eyes of Children. Elaine T. Johnson, J.D., is a trial attorney. Past President of the Boulder County Bar Association and the Boulder Interdisciplinary Committee on Child Custody, she has worked and taught extensively in the area of domestic relations and family law. E. Robert LaCrosse, Ph.D., is a clinical psychologist specializing in divorce issues with children and adults. He has taught at Harvard, and served as President of Pacific Oaks College in Pasadena, CA.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

This practical handbook defines the dynamics of high conflict, explains its impact on children, identifies the specific role of the professional, and offers specific techniques that have proven helpful.

FROM THE CRITICS

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