Comments from Past Attendees

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The civil and family mediation training offered by the CDR provides an unique, interactive, and in-depth training experience. Here are a few comments from our past training attendees:

• The Trainers and Training
• Materials
• Mediation Role Play Coaching
• Zoom Online Format
• Impact of the Training

The Trainers and Training

• This was the best learning experience I have had since college. The training was well-planned and well-executed…an A+ in every category.

• I will return to the Center for advanced and related training. Thank you for the wonderful experience.

• I found the training great and the energy of the speakers wonderful. The days were long with lots of information but I felt it went so well that I would do it again just to learn from everyone involved.
• The presenters were top notch. I was engaged throughout the training, from beginning to end. While I may never be involved in family mediation the knowledge I gained and the mediation practice I received was invaluable.
• Wonderfully organized program - the balance of information and practice with different coaches was perfect.
• It was wonderful to work with many people with multiple interests.
• The training was far beyond my expectations and i am so very grateful from such a committed team, Char and Heather. I thoroughly enjoyed my time with you, coaches, volunteers and other participants! 

Materials

• The training provided excellent written and verbal information. This training was excellent and I appreciate it very much. Thank you to all of you!

• The information in the training binder was great and extensive.

• The materials were excellent plus 5-stars. 

• All of the resources and content from this training will be AMAZING to refer back to in my profession. 

Mediation Role Play Coaching

• The practice mediations were great and the tips about getting stuck were so helpful.

• I thought that the role playing was a vital part of the training. The feedback from the coaches was an extremely important way of learning. Lots of positive ways to approach clients with neutral language, body language, etc, were given.
• The coaching was great! Several different styles were presented and it allowed me to choose which to incorporate into my own style.
• It was beneficial to learn from experienced mediators. It was helpful to learn about and hear the different styles of mediators who have been successful.
• The coaching provided by different trainers was so helpful in demonstrating the different styles of mediation and how the decisions we make during mediation come from knowing who we are as mediators. Without that diversity in presenters and coaches we would be less likely to develop and trust our own instincts…
• The coaching provided by different trainers was so helpful in demonstrating the different styles of mediation and how the decisions we make during mediation come from knowing who we are as mediators. Without that diversity in presenters and coaches we would be less likely to develop and trust our own instincts…
• The coaching was very useful. Having the chance to see the different personalities and styles really helped me understand the process and overall goals of mediation.

Zoom Online Format

• There was a great combination of training lectures and role play. The role play sessions were interactive and having a coach in each session was a great way to ask questions a smaller session. Chat rooms functioned well. Great use of technology. 

• 40 hours in front of a computer seemed daunting at first, but by the end, I was wanting more. 

• I have been in numerous on-line training at Notre Dame and other universities and this, by far was the most seamless - especially the instantaneous response from Char/Heather - outstanding! 
• Even via Zoom, I felt continually engaged with the group as a whole.

• This was one of the most engaging trainings that I've participated in or even conducted.

• I’ve been in various Zoom trainings for a year, and this was my favorite in terms of allowing participation but keeping it moving along. 

• The training was better in every way than I'd expected and a great first step in developing a new skill set. 

• The training was excellent! There were enough activities, breaks, and interaction to keep it from never getting tedious even though it was entirely on Zoom - that is truly a feat! 

Impact of the Training

• I believe the overall mediation techniques taught in the first few days will be very helpful in every aspect of my life.

• I am better prepared to handle conflict, even if not in mediation form.

• I think this training will have a huge impact on my life both professionally and personally. Already my conflict resolution classes have changed how I approach difficult situation and conversations. This is just another tool that will only benefit me. 
• This training has provided me with more insight professionally and opened the field for my movement forward.  

• What I have learned will certainly help me to better handle conflict in the workplace. I will probably teach mediation to my students in the future. I am considering doing mediation in the community. 

• Taking part in this training has given me the tools to be able to add mediation to my practice and see solutions in my cases. 

• It's hard to imagine that I've been doing ministry this long without this training. This is a total makeover that I've needed. Additionally, this will help me with my next career in mediation as a profession. 

• Using what I have learned here will definitely lessen the amount of time I spend arguing (going in circles). It will allow me to do some internal problem-solving, it has given me some real matter-of-fact questions to get to a resolution faster, and it has equipped me with resources and tool that I can use professionally as well as personally. This training has also connected me with amazing individuals and resources that I would not have had access to or appreciated outside of this training.