members only

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Join Mark Donovan, C. MED, for a focused and free one-hour session designed for negotiation and mediation students and newcomers eager to enhance their questioning skills. This interactive workshop will equip participants with practical techniques for asking insightful questions that uncover underlying interests, rather than simply probing parties’ positions. Learn how to facilitate deeper understanding, foster collaboration, and support constructive dialogue—all without crossing into positional territory. If you’re starting out and looking to sharpen your approach, this session offers valuable tools to help you become a more effective communicator and mediator.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

December 2025 Learner Session- Interest Based Questioning EssentialsRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Now that you have uncovered some interests and completed a wonderful goal statement what’s next? How do you determine whether you have uncovered what’s important, why it’s important, and how it became important  using probing skills and how to evaluate whether the options are positional or not. In this learner session, Gloria Lechky, C. MED, will discuss Phases 4, 5, and 6 and how to move through each Phase.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

December 2023 Learner Session- Beyond the Goal Statement; Using Interests for Decision – MakingRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Join Kara Deringer to begin to explore and discuss the breadth and depth of DEI in our work. Join us to cover:

*The meaning of diversity, equity and inclusion

*Approaching DEI with tact and tenacity

*Navigating the complexity of DEI

We do not need to be experts in DEI to demonstrate professionalism and sensitivity in our work. That said, an ongoing commitment to learning new information, nuances, and trends is critical. 

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

February 7th 2024 Learner Session- Diversity, Equity & Inclusion- Date correction, session is February 7thRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Join C.MED Mark Donovan to discuss the following:

Effective mediation practice finds a secure foundation in the skills and supportive presence of the mediator. The quality of the mediator’s presence is always a potential model for the parties. 

In this session Mark will share simple, reliable techniques to support your calm and poise in mediation and other forms of ADR work. He will guide you in exploring wise motivation and an easy practice that will help you maintain calmness and ease of mind amid the difficult situations and turbulent emotions that can arise from parties in mediation. 

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

March 2024 Learner Session- Staying Calm in MediationRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Join C. MED and Q. ARB Tammy Borowiecki for an enlightening session of ‘Ask a Mediator.’ Bring your questions related to mediation, and Tammy will provide invaluable insights, strategies, and a fresh perspective in response. Explore the intricacies of conflict resolution and gain clarity on navigating disputes effectively. Don’t miss this opportunity to enhance your understanding of mediation and discover new ways to foster harmony and understanding.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

April 2024 Learner Session- Ask a MediatorRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Pre-mediation is a critical component of the process, and should not be overlooked or underestimated. In this evening session, we will explore:

-Gathering intel and strategizing prior to mediation 

-The manifestation of inner conflict 

-Creative techniques for preparing individuals to engage 

Bring your own tips to add to our discussion! We look forward to seeing you.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

May 2024 Learner Session- The Importance of Pre-MediationRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Do you sometimes feel like a robot? (Now re-read that statement, one syllable at a time, in your best robot voice!)

Paraphrasing doesn’t need to feel awkward or unnatural. With thought and practice, paraphrasing can be a fun and refreshing skill. Since many conflict professionals see questions and paraphrasing like their right and left hand, it is key to be highly adept in the art of paraphrasing.

In this session we’ll explore:

-Some theoretical approaches to paraphrasing;
-Common human responses to paraphrasing; and
-Practical tips for creative paraphrasing.

Mark your calendars!

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

June 2024 Learner Session- Creative ParaphrasingRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Participants inevitably begin mediation feeling anxious, which makes it essential to create a strong start. How do we avoid Stage One seeming like a checklist, and foster a comfortable, informative, and empowering experience? Join Kara Deringer on October 9th to explore a range of practical tips for the opening phase of mediation.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

October 2024 Learner Session- Tips for Stage One in MediationRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

The Human Mind: We are fish swimming in our thoughts

An old wise fish passed two young fish swimming along. The old wise fish said, “the water’s nice today, eh, boys?” After a while, the young fish looked at the other young fish and said, “what’s water?”

A fish swims underwater and because that’s so normal for the fish, it doesn’t even notice the water. Water is the natural environment for the fish and so the fish doesn’t even notice that it’s swimming under water.

Our thoughts are like the water is to a fish. We believe our thoughts are who we are. We believe our thoughts are part of us. That’s simply not true!

Most people (and when I say ‘most’, I mean 95% of us) live in our minds. We have this constant running dialogue with ourselves inside our heads. We believe we are our thoughts, and our thoughts are who we really are.

Our thoughts do not define us. We are not our thoughts! But … If not my thoughts, then who am I?

So, how do we bring awareness to the water we are swimming in?

Join Erika Deines on November 6th and find out about a technique to break free from an unresourceful thinking habit, negative filtering, emotional reasoning, catastrophizing, or our internal critic.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

November 2024 Learner Session- Where do Our Thoughts Come From?Read More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

What is the most dangerous sentence you’ll ever say?

“I already know that”!

Now that you have set a goal to learn, what are your implementation intentions?

If you want to experience the fun and easy way to excel on your journey to mastering skills, any skills, this session is for you!

We will take a lighthearted look into the concepts of Communication skills:

• -What do Perception and Intention have in common or not common?
• -Why do we have 2 ears and one mouth?
• -No need to cry – Rejoice! Activate our superpowers!
• -Why we cannot be replaced by AI!
• -Revisiting the drama triangle moving from fear-based needs to being present;
• -Superhero life – not all allies are equal
• -Learn lessons from Yoda: How to F.A.I.L. (first attempt in learning)
• -Choices, choices, choices

Practice makes better.

Be the 1% difference!

Join Flo Lye on December 4th for this engaging session!

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

December 2024 Learner Session- Mastering the 1% Difference: Elevate Your Skills with Fun, Focus, and Failure!Read More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

“The goal of practice is always to keep our beginner’s mind…in the beginner’s mind there are many possibilities; in the expert’s mind there are few.” –Zen master Suzuki Roshi.

Humans have a deeply ingrained inclination for rapid decision-making, particularly when it comes to making judgements about others. This capacity is both “wired” in us and supported by cultural factors. Although in many circumstances quick judgements are self-protective, they hinder a mediator’s skilfulness and effectiveness.

As mediators, people’s behaviour in conflict can appear as classic or archetypal patterns that blind us to the uniqueness of the individuals and the situation. Crucially, rapid judgements subtly undermine the neutrality we promise our clients.

Various ways for mediators to counteract this tendency have been offered, including implicit bias training and other cognitive approaches, but up to now the notion of developing “Beginner’s Mind” has seen little attention.

Join Mark Donovan, C. MED, for a discussion of how practicing Beginner’s Mind can foster your capacity for openness and curiosity and counteract judgement formation with clear-eyed discernment. 

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

Please note, we do record these sessions to be posted on the members only section of our website. By registering, you agree to the recording. In cases where we can, we will only post the speaker view. If you would like, you are welcome to leave your camera off for the duration of the session.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

February 2025 Learner Session: Beginner’s Mind in Mediation: From Judgement to DiscernmentRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

As a mediator, your ability to manage and navigate the information shared by each party is essential to fostering a sense of inclusion, respect, and understanding. In this session, led by C. MED, Gloria Lechky, we will explore the art of active listening—specifically the use of probing questions—to help parties disclose meaningful information, gain insight into each other’s needs, and maintain a balanced dialogue.

Join us for this insightful session to refine your mediation skills and enhance your effectiveness in guiding constructive conversations.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

March 2025 Learner Session- Transitioning between Parties in MediationRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

As humans, we naturally form judgments based on our experiences and perspectives. However, as ADR professionals, maintaining open-mindedness and neutrality is essential to effectively supporting those we serve. This session explores the nature of bias, its impact on our practice, and practical strategies for recognizing and mitigating unconscious assumptions. Through self-reflection and discussion, participants will develop greater awareness and tools to foster fairness, impartiality, and trust in their conflict resolution work.

Join us for this engaging session to explore practical strategies for recognizing and managing bias, fostering greater fairness, neutrality, and trust in conflict resolution.

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

April 2025 Learner Session- Unpacking Bias: Awareness & Strategies for ADR ProfessionalsRead More

Cost:

Free for ADRIA members only

Course Description:

Join Jaemi Bertrand, C. MED, to discuss the value of uncovering for deeper interests when resolving conflict ourselves, or in facilitating conversation as a mediator. We will review some tools to help with your exploration, and some options for integrating these interests into problem solving. 

Course Details:

You will receive an email with login details the morning of the session date. Contact education@adralberta.com to request details no later than 2:00pm the day of the session if you do not receive this information.

You must be a member of ADRIA and logged into your account to register.

May 2025 Learner Session- Digging for Deeper UnderstandingRead More