I’m Josephine Byrnes-Luna, a Registered Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP); Professional Counsellor, Nationally Accredited Mediator, Professional Supervisor and UWS lecturer in the faculty of Law in studies for Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)

Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) has complimented my mediation and counselling practice. After completing collaborative law practice in the family law jurisdiction and becoming a nationally accredited mediator, I was beginning to work more in the family law space. This combination of experiences has enabled a very balanced and unique holistic approach with FDR.

Today it is becoming more apparent that not all cases have to end up in court or be bitterly litigated. There are so many more mutually beneficial, collaborative processes and ways of dispute resolution that can and will benefit the client, particularly children – financially, emotionally and in a more timely manner.

With my years of therapeutic experience with families, parenting, children, couples and individuals; collaborative practice and training in the family law jurisdiction; court ordered family therapy matters some of which are complex and of high conflict requiring observation and evaluation reporting and more recently as a lecturer with UWS in the faculty of Law for FDR and ADR studies I am uniquely positioned to offer a holistic approach to FDR. I can bring so many aspects of the process of what I see as necessary for successful dispute resolution and as an independent FDR practitioner within the legal industry.

My work as a Counsellor spans a variety of areas, including personal & relationship counselling, childhood development and parenting, workplace, careers, grief and loss. This has provided me with such an opportunity to assist people from all walks of life where I have been trusted into the ultimate privacy of their lifestyles and homes.

As a workplace mediator with diverse working life, I have an excellent understanding of different working sectors experiencing such a range of dynamics; I understand how workplace disputes can evolve and quickly escalate.

With almost three decades in the public sector, I have developed a thorough understanding of the machinery of Government in NSW and at the Commonwealth level. This includes formulating and implementing public policy, regulation reform, design and delivery of government programs and services, and the Parliamentary process.

My leadership style is strongly affiliative and collegiate and I utilise emotional intelligence to create bonds and harmonious relationships within the teams I lead. I believe in being a “results orientated” leader who clearly articulates objectives but allows subordinates considerable autonomy in delivering outcomes.

All these experiences have engendered a deep interest in and engagement with the local community sitting on various Boards in the capacity of Board Member, Vice President, President and Board Advisory.

On a personal level, I am a very happy wife and mother of two boys, and I continue to enjoy and cherish the support of a very loving family as I pursue my dream – of helping people.

I look forward to working with you.

Josephine

You can also access my LinkedIn profile for more information about me professionally.

Professional Affiliations & Memberships

Qualifications:

• Master of Counselling (Distinction) - University of Canberra

• Family Dispute Resolution Practitioner (FDRP)

• UWS Lecturer faculty of Law - Family Dispute Resolution and Alternative Dispute Resolution

• Nationally Accredited Mediator (NMAS)

• Registered Professional Counsellor

• Parenting Coordinator

• Family Therapy

• Professional Supervision

Qualified Member of:

• University of Canberra Alumni

• The College of Law - Graduate Student Ambassador and Alumni

• Australian Counsellors Association

• The Australian Institute of Professional Counsellors

• The ACA College of Supervisors

• The Mediation Institute

• Children Beyond Dispute

Awards 

Barry Nilsson Best Graduating Student Prize in Family Dispute Resolution Practice – The College of Law 2021. This award is for all students (all states) graduating with Family Dispute Resolution Practice, whether a Graduate Diploma or a major in the Master of Laws program.

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Member of:

Australian Counselling Academy, Greater Narellan Chamber of Commerce, NSW Chamber of Commerce, Wollondilly Women in Business, and Director’s Institute.