I saw Birdman on the weekend. I'd like to see it again now that I know it was up for an award in the Comedy or Musical section at the Golden Globes. I didn't realise it was either, although there were definitely a lot of quite funny bits (I won't spoil it for you by detailing them).
To me, a Psychologist and Mediator, the lead role of Riggan Thomson, brilliantly played by Michael Keaton, is that of a late middle aged actor feeling washed up and surrendering, at times in dramatic style, to his alter ego Birdman - a character of his from a successful series of science fiction/super hero type films.
Riggan presents as being in the grip of psychotic visual and auditory hallucinations, delusions of grandeur and paranoid ideation and demonstrates an obvious cognitive blurring of the line between reality and fantasy.
At least, he did until the last scene .....
What do others think?
Could any of the many "interesting" characters in this movie have been helped by timely mediation or therapeutic counselling?
By the way, I have just discovered that congratulations are in order for Michael Keaton for winning "Best Actor in a Comedy" at the Golden Globes.
Monday, January 12, 2015
Good Advice for Separating Parties and All of Us
@BrisMediations: Great advice from Ruth Ostrow - not only for those going through separation and divorce, but for us all! http://t.co/4Odyiq1eh4
Tuesday, January 6, 2015
2015 has started with a bang at Brisbane Mediations
Like the fireworks most of us observed in person or electronically at midnight on the 1st of January, 2015 has started with a bang at Brisbane Mediations.
We have taken time out to look at what we did well in 2014 and what we may be able to improve or add to our services in 2015. We're back on deck energised and ready to listen.
Judging by the people who have already rung Krystina or come through our door for intake discussions this week, at least some problem situations have not magically disappeared over the Christmas holiday period.
This year, as always, we intend to deliver non-judgmental, supportive and skilled conflict management to our clients.
We must of course remain neutral and not "take sides" or lecture parties about what we believe is the best way to resolve their disputes. We do, however, challenge and assist with reality testing of desired outcomes, helping our clients to realise that just as there are at least two sides to every story, there are at least two perspectives to every dispute. The old saying, "It takes two to tango" could be modified to, "It takes at least two to create conflict".
Whether your dispute is the result of a relationship separation, entrenched tensions between extended family members, workplace disagreements or conflict over an estate you think has been unfairly apportioned, the Brisbane Mediations team is trained and equipped to assist.
It is our role to guide people in dispute to a resolution they can live with and that allows them to move on with their lives - if possible, without harbouring resentment. The team at Brisbane Mediations derive pleasure from seeing our clients relieved of the burden of emotionally draining and often financially expensive disputes. We've all seen enough of those in the Court system.
Life is short. Let's all make the most of it. At Brisbane Mediations we like to say, Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out. Just because you've had bad luck with someone significant in your world, you don't have to live the rest of your life with conflict, stress and regret. We aim to help our clients chalk it up to experience, let go of the bitterness and move on.
We know that the people who come to see us are usually hurting and feeling betrayed. Those feelings take time to heal, but we would love to start you off in a more positive direction with an agreement that, no matter how hard won, all parties can at least tolerate. Over time, the conflict can become a blip on the horizon.
Come in and see us and make 2015 your best year yet!
We have taken time out to look at what we did well in 2014 and what we may be able to improve or add to our services in 2015. We're back on deck energised and ready to listen.
Judging by the people who have already rung Krystina or come through our door for intake discussions this week, at least some problem situations have not magically disappeared over the Christmas holiday period.
This year, as always, we intend to deliver non-judgmental, supportive and skilled conflict management to our clients.
We must of course remain neutral and not "take sides" or lecture parties about what we believe is the best way to resolve their disputes. We do, however, challenge and assist with reality testing of desired outcomes, helping our clients to realise that just as there are at least two sides to every story, there are at least two perspectives to every dispute. The old saying, "It takes two to tango" could be modified to, "It takes at least two to create conflict".
Whether your dispute is the result of a relationship separation, entrenched tensions between extended family members, workplace disagreements or conflict over an estate you think has been unfairly apportioned, the Brisbane Mediations team is trained and equipped to assist.
It is our role to guide people in dispute to a resolution they can live with and that allows them to move on with their lives - if possible, without harbouring resentment. The team at Brisbane Mediations derive pleasure from seeing our clients relieved of the burden of emotionally draining and often financially expensive disputes. We've all seen enough of those in the Court system.
Life is short. Let's all make the most of it. At Brisbane Mediations we like to say, Things turn out best for the people who make the best out of the way things turn out. Just because you've had bad luck with someone significant in your world, you don't have to live the rest of your life with conflict, stress and regret. We aim to help our clients chalk it up to experience, let go of the bitterness and move on.
We know that the people who come to see us are usually hurting and feeling betrayed. Those feelings take time to heal, but we would love to start you off in a more positive direction with an agreement that, no matter how hard won, all parties can at least tolerate. Over time, the conflict can become a blip on the horizon.
Come in and see us and make 2015 your best year yet!
Monday, December 22, 2014
It's NOT "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for some
It's NOT "The Most Wonderful Time of the Year" for some.
While most of us are caught up in last minute gift shopping and wrapping, planning food for Christmas Day and packing for time away at the beach or other haunts, others are doing it tough.Some have been given notice that their jobs will not be continuing in the new year, some are feeling dread at the prospect of unimpeded time "relaxing" with a partner they scarcely have time to chat to most of the year and yet others are dealing with recent losses or reliving past ones.
At Brisbane Mediations, we know that all is not always as it seems in people's lives. In keeping with the generous spirit of Christmas, we should all spare a moment to check on the people next door, ring the relative who lives alone and has not been in touch for a while, reach out to friends and above all else appreciate and hug our loved ones.
We hope all our followers have a wonderful, safe and restorative Christmas and New Year and that you share your good things. If you are one of those who is struggling, hang in there. In dark times, Christmas is like that moment just before the dawn. If you see it out, a fresh new year will make things look very different and, with the right support, you can start making the changes needed in your life.
Merry Christmas!
Denise, Mike, Krystina, Joanne and the Mediation Team
Monday, December 1, 2014
Consequences of Out of Control Litigation
A recent decision of His Honour Justice Benjamin in the Sydney Registry of the Family Court starkly demonstrates the consequences that can result when parties allow emotions to get out of control and fight to the death in the Family Court.
The report on the case in the Daily Telegraph of 25 November 2014 speaks for itself with one party having run up costs of $690,000 fighting his estranged wife.
Para 18 of the judgment sums up His Honour's views where he said:
18. Whether they have previously done so or not, the legal practitioners representing the husband and the wife need to step forward and offer non-confrontational solutions to their respective clients. The parties themselves should stop, take a deep breath, look around, think and find better ways to vent the anger, bitterness and aggression they may have for each other and consider the devastating impact that these proceedings may be having on their children and the devastating impact on the parties' economic circumstances.
One thing is certain, if the litigation continues, neither the parties nor their children will be the winners.
Friday, November 14, 2014
Size matters at Brisbane G20
As we observe variable sizes of jets, cars, motorcades and even ships in the context of the G20 talkfest, we are reminded of the significance of "keeping up with The Joneses" when establishing social importance.
In mediations between opposing interests, a genuine desire for resolution is the most significant ingredient.
Won't it be great if the size or strength of character of the G20 participants takes on greater significance than the size of their egos!
In mediations between opposing interests, a genuine desire for resolution is the most significant ingredient.
Won't it be great if the size or strength of character of the G20 participants takes on greater significance than the size of their egos!
Thursday, November 13, 2014
Brisbane Mediations welcomes participants in the G20
Brisbane Mediations welcomes participants in the the G20 and it's associated B20, C20, L20, T20 and Y20.So many opportunities for global interests-national, cultural, political, economic and generational- to be represented and for greater understanding and cooperation to be nurtured. We believe passionately that enduring resolution of differences can come only from discussion and-most importantly-from listening. Go G20.
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