Dr. D's specializes in workplace issues that threaten the psychological safety for being at work, staying at work, and performing the work needed for organizations to thrive and survive.
Mediation, or facilitated dialogue, is often the core of Debra's interventions. However, parties in dispute often benefit from pre-mediation preparation that may include 1:1 coaching, team-building, communication and conflict style assessments, and pre- and post-intervention leadership guidance.
As the founder and president of Relationships at Work, Inc. in 2011 Dr. Debra combines her 30 years of experience in psychotherapy, mediation, conflict coaching and leadership development to guide professionals in redirecting their mindsets for leading consciously. Steeped in the neuroscience of brain behavior. Dr. D’s mediation and workplace clients learn to break free from unhealthy mindsets and leverage to new levels of awareness, mindfulness and happiness.
Her proprietary program, “The AGILE Leader...the AGILE Workplace” is regularly used by the Department of Navy (DON) and many others to bring leadership transformation, dispute resolution and cultural competency to today’s fast-paced and generationally diverse workplace cultures. She continues to serve as Mentor Mediator for DON’s internal program of collateral mediators.
She actively collaborates with AAA-ICDR, ABA-DR, SCMA, and Hong Kong Institute of Mediation in providing advanced techniques for lawyer advocates and mediators. Her new program called "The AGILE Lawyer Life" is designed to help the traditional lawyer and mediator to pivot into non-traditional ways of doing business and client engagement.
For six years, she traveled internationally with Dr. Dan Dana, founder and president of Mediation Training Institute (MTI) training legal and human resource professionals and executives in workplace mediation practices.
Examples of Past Mediator Training and Certifications: 2007: United States Postal Service (USPS) (24 hr. Certificate in Transformative Mediation for Workplace Disputes) 2007: Coast to Coast Mediation Services (36 hr. Certificate in Business Partner Dissolution / Family & Divorce Mediation) 2005: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (8 hr. Certificate Update in Title VII Protections) Association for Conflict Resolution (ACR): Advanced Practitioner in Workplace Mediation 2004: Mediation Training Institute, Inc. (40 hr. Certificate in Advanced Workplace Mediation) 2003: Mediation Training Institute, Inc. (40 hr. Certificate in Workplace Mediation) 2001: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (16 hr. Certificate in Title VII Protections) 2001: National Conflict Resolution Center (formerly known as the San Diego Mediation Center - (40 hr. Credential in Advanced Techniques) 1999: Mediation Training Institute, Inc. (16 hr. Certificate in Conflict Management for Managers) 1999: Diversity Training, Champion Services Group / Southern California Edison (24 hr. Train the Trainers Conference & Certificate of Completion) 1994: San Diego Mediation Center (24 hr. Certificate in Basic Mediation)
Doctor of Psychology PsyD – 2014, Ryokan College, Los Angeles, emphasis on the Attachment Theory, Neuroscience and LeadershipIntimate Relationships.BRBRBachelor’s Degree, Psychology BA – 1979, University of California, Santa Barbara undergraduate emphasis at the University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN included Cross-Cultural Studies TurkishMiddle Eastern Relations., Spanish & Special Education 1974-76.
Social/Volunteer Organizations
Debra has volunteered throughout her professional career. Here are some key examples of her leadership and stewardship: President of the California Association of Rehabilitation Professionals CARP, Co-Chair and Editor for the Workplace Section - the Association for Conflict Resolution ACR. President of ADR-San Diego Secretary | Rear and Vice Commodore - Coronado Cays Yacht Club, Secretary for the Professional Women's Council - the University Club atop Symphony Towers, San Diego, and much more.
More Information
Debra was featured in Newsweek as one of San Diego’s top psychotherapists, recognized by the Los Angeles Federal Executive Board for her mediator expertise, and distinguished as a leader in dispute resolution by the Southern California Mediation Association SCMA and the Association for Conflict Resolution ACR. She is a regular presenter at professional conferences for the legal, educational and workers' compensation sectors as well as continues to teach academically for law schools and universities.BR
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