Family barristers are to receive training on dealing with angry or emotional clients, and on how to help clients relax and focus on the core legal issues. 

The one day course is being provided for judges and Family Law Bar Association members to help them to reduce the emotional distress experienced by clients in often emotionally charged situations. 

A professional psychotherapist will lead the course, teaching barristers what to do if a client breaks down and cries, or becomes abusive and angry, and how to avoid making things worse. They will also explore essential psychological skills and 'tools' which may be of benefit to clients. The course will help barristers to manage and reduce anxiety and aggression in fraught situations.

Philip Moor QC, Chairman of the Family Law Bar Association, has given his full support to the course, and said: "These courses are really useful in teaching barristers how best to help their clients through an extremely difficult and emotional period in their lives.  I cannot recommend them enough". 

The course has been running successfully since November 2003, and its value has been recognised by the award of 6 CPD hours / points for those who participate.

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NOTES:

Dates:     on Saturday 29th October 2005 9.00am to 5pm

               or Saturday 3rd December 2005 9.00am to 5pm

Venue:   Gray's Inn, 8 South Square, London, WC1R 5ET   

For further information please contact the Bar Council press office on 020 7222 2525.