Explore every episode of the podcast InCredible Witness
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervising Contact | 17 juil. 2024 | 00:09:53 | |
This episode explores the crucial role of contact supervisors in observing and assessing parent-child interactions during supervised contact sessions. Michael talks about the importance of social workers, independent social workers, and children's guardians personally observing these sessions to form their own conclusions and assessments. It highlights the significance of parents demonstrating their ability to prioritize their child's needs, engage positively during contact, and adhere to professional guidance and boundaries. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "It is really important that you observe at least one contact prior to finalising your assessment, otherwise you place yourself in a vulnerable position when it comes to giving evidence and being cross-examined." "Most contact sessions are 90 or 120 minutes in duration, which explains the limitations involved in placing too much weight on contact observations." "Parents need to prove that they can understand and comply with such guidance and boundaries in the interests of their children and their court case." "Parents need also to be advised that they need to be aware of the impact their words and actions have on their child." "The real task for most parents, though, is to show they can meet their child's various needs on a consistent basis throughout the period in which they are being assessed." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Self Harm | 10 juil. 2024 | 00:08:34 | |
This episode delves into the complex and often misunderstood topic of self-injury. It explores how self-harm serves as a coping mechanism for individuals dealing with overwhelming emotions and distressing thoughts. The episode discusses the various functions self-harm can serve, such as expressing difficult emotions, seeking control, or managing traumatic experiences. It also highlights the signs to look out for in children and young people who may be engaging in self-harm, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and addressing these behaviours. Additionally, the episode sheds light on the underlying reasons why individuals self-harm, ranging from emotional pain and loneliness to mental health conditions and traumatic experiences. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Self-harm or self-injury can be described as representing a person's coping mechanism for dealing with highly upsetting and distressing thoughts and feelings." "When a child or person injures themselves, chemicals such as endorphins and other natural painkillers are released by the brain, providing a temporal respite for the painful experiences." "Self-harm and self-injury often go unnoticed because people who self-harm don't tend to want to draw attention to their behaviour." "It seems there may be a number of reasons why people self-harm. What is clear is that children who do so frequently are experiencing overpowering emotional pain or distress." "In terms of the gender most at risk of self-harm, it is said to be more common amongst women than men." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| That's Personal | 03 juil. 2024 | 00:09:59 | |
Michael discusses the sensitive nature of parenting assessments and the necessity of asking personal and intrusive questions. He reflects on the reactions of parents when faced with such questions, highlighting the importance of understanding one's upbringing, beliefs, and experiences in relation to parenting. Overall, the episode underscores the critical role of thorough assessments in determining suitable parenting options for children in need. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Many of the questions you have to ask when undertaking a parenting assessment are, in my view, personal and intrusive." "People take for granted that they will love and take care of their child, but fail to see that the court does not know them at all." "Isn't that a bit personal? But if the court are going to make decisions about where the child should be placed, don't you think they need to know all the relevant information?" "I really think you're asking too much. It's too personal." "His lack of insight and unwillingness to share further information provided me with the clarity I needed to reach the conclusion that the outcome of the assessment was negative." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| The Worst Things To Do In The Witness Box | 26 juin 2024 | 00:10:01 | |
This episode provides valuable insights on how to effectively give evidence in a court setting. Michael emphasises the importance of thorough preparation, mental and emotional readiness, and maintaining control over one's nerves and emotions while in the witness box. Overall, the episode serves as a comprehensive guide on how to navigate the challenges of giving evidence in a court setting successfully. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "You cannot afford to have a poor attitude and frame of mind when giving evidence. When you enter into the witness box You should be in control of your nerves and emotions, as opposed to them being in control of you." "Your state of mind should be such that you expect no help from anyone. You recognize you are totally alone, and have complete faith and confidence in your ability to present your evidence very well." "Giving evidence should never involve you talking for talking's sake. When you open your mouth too freely you are likely to give away unnecessary information that may place you in difficult situations that you may live to regret later." "The hugest mistake you can make when in the witness box is to lose control of your emotions by getting angry, agitated or distressed. When angry or agitated, you lose focus and concentration, rendering you unable to access that part of your brain that enables you to be able to think and respond appropriately and creatively." "On a final note, it is a mistake to fail to speak up and address your answers to the judge. She or he needs to hear what you are saying at all times. So angle your head towards the judge when responding to questions and ensure you speak loud enough and in a clear manner so that the judge can hear and clearly understand you." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Filicide | 12 juin 2024 | 00:10:05 | |
Join Michael as he explores the disturbing reality of parents or step-parents killing their own children, shedding light on the term "filicide" and its various forms such as neonaticide and infanticide. Through research findings and expert insights, the episode explores the motives behind filicide, ranging from altruistic reasons to revenge and emphasises the importance of understanding the underlying factors to prevent future tragedies. Overall, the episode serves as a thought-provoking exploration of a tragic and sensitive topic, urging for greater awareness and prevention efforts to protect children from harm. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "I was stunned by that statistic because even as a social worker who has worked with children over many years, the frequency or rate of children being killed was conspicuous." "Filicide refers to the killing of one's son or daughter. As a result of doing this research, I was introduced to more words that I had hitherto not known about." "In a study involving 297 cases of convicted philicides and 45 cases of philicide suicides in England and Wales between January 1997 and December 2006, it was revealed that there was an over-representation of mental illness in cases of philicide." "Philip J. Resnick, a well-known forensic psychiatrist, found that neonaticidal mothers are often unmarried women with unwanted pregnancies who receive no prenatal care." "Gaining as clear a picture as possible about the circumstances, reasons and factors that lead parents to perpetrate filicide are of critical significance if we are to prevent and lessen future unnecessary child deaths." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Selling Yourself | 05 juin 2024 | 00:09:34 | |
This episode explores the unexpected connection between social work and the act of selling. Michael talks about why social workers are constantly selling their beliefs and values to parents in order to advocate for the best interests of children. Drawing parallels between personal interactions and court appearances, Michael emphasises the importance of presenting oneself positively, both in attitude and appearance, to effectively influence others. Ultimately, the episode concludes by highlighting the crucial aspect of believing in oneself before attempting to sell one's beliefs to others. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "From being someone who was quite adverse to the idea of selling, to one in which I now accept my involvement in it and in fact recognise how important selling is to the success of my role as a social worker." "You're actually engaged in selling yourself all the time, it's just that you don't see yourself as doing so." "Poor attitudes are like neon lights or neon signs glowing in the dark, announcing your poor disposition, thoughts and feelings." "Attending court wearing trainers, a hoodie and a pair of jeans exposing part of your underwear does not tend to portray you in the best possible light." "In giving great evidence at court or selling yourself well, how or the way you say it is as important, if not more so, than what you say." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| The Role Played By Racism | 29 mai 2024 | 00:10:46 | |
Join Michael in this episode as he delves into the experiences of two individuals, who faced racism and isolation in predominantly white environments. The episode highlights how their struggles with racism, lack of support, and the pressure to fit in led to feelings of anger, aggression, and a constant state of vigilance. The episode challenges the societal ignorance towards racism and the need for empathy and recognition of its pervasive nature. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "They didn't like me because I didn't fit in. And do you know what? I didn't want to. They were picking on me because of my difference." "I was fighting every day in school, and to be fair, I held my mum and stepdad responsible for this because I did not want to move." "But when you fight back, you get a reputation and you don't have to do anything anyway to get hassled by the police." "Racism is insidious. It permeates this society and many others. It survives because the whole society don't really recognise it or their part in continuing it." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Unveiling the Significance of Chronologies in Family Dynamics | 22 mai 2024 | 00:10:18 | |
This episode delves into the importance and intricacies of creating a chronological list of events in a child's life. Michael emphasises the significance of a well-constructed chronology in providing a clear understanding of a family's history and dynamics. The episode discusses the role of a social worker in highlighting both the strengths and weaknesses of parenting, using the chronology as a tool to support evidence and arguments. It also explores how different perspectives and biases can influence the interpretation of events documented in a chronology. The episode underscores the impact of past experiences on an individual's present behaviour and identity, emphasising the need to consider significant events such as trauma, loss, and violence in family life. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "A chronology can be defined as a sequential list of events with dates recording any significant facts and changes in a child's life." "History, for example, is written from the focus of the values and beliefs of the person who wrote it." "Chronologies are really useful tools in helping to look at a child's lived experience because they can show what a child has been exposed to dating as far back into their life as their first few weeks of life." "Many people still today tend to think of the past as not having any impact on who they are now." "One of the things that chronology is very useful at bringing to light is the response by social care." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Risky Business: Crossing Roads and Assessing Parental Risks | 15 mai 2024 | 00:09:19 | |
This episode delves into the concept of assessing and managing risks in various aspects of life, using the analogy of crossing a busy road without a pedestrian crossing. The episode highlights how individuals often underestimate risks due to factors they cannot see or control, drawing parallels to parents who may pose risks to their children. It discusses the importance of considering factors such as a parent's history, level of insight, and support networks in determining the potential harm a child may face. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "When crossing a road, there are vehicles you can see and vehicles or situations you cannot. You cannot accurately take into account things you cannot see or quantify." "Parents who pose a major risk of harm to their children are often not in full control of themselves and tend to be in denial concerning the extent of their problems." "One of the first matters to consider when attempting to analyse the risks posed by a parent is their history." "If parents do not recognise that they have shortcomings in certain areas, they are then poorly motivated to make changes in their life to address this shortcoming." "Balancing their overall weaknesses and strengths contributing to a child's care is a task that needs to be carefully and thoroughly considered." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Giving Great Evidence | 08 mai 2024 | 00:10:50 | |
This episode delves into the challenges individuals face when giving evidence in court, particularly focusing on the daunting experience of being cross-examined. Michael talks about how to manage emotions, listen attentively, and respond effectively to questions while maintaining composure and credibility. The episode underscores the necessity of practising the skills required to present coherent and persuasive evidence in a highly adversarial courtroom environment. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Many people struggle with giving evidence because they don't understand that the process is designed to be difficult and that the court is, for lay people, an alien environment that no one except legal people feel comfortable with." "The words conflict and criticism are for me now synonymous with the court. never used to be, but they are now because I have been to court enough times to know, without doubt, that the court is a highly adversarial environment." "You have to know about and be prepared for angles of attack. Those cross-examining you, and including the judges, are likely to focus on, be critical about, and question you in connection with." "Controlling emotions is critical to the way you come across and portray yourself in the witness box. You cannot allow anything to hijack your emotions, undermine your belief in yourself, or impair your positive attitude." "Using percentages or ratios provides the court with a clear mental picture of what has been going on. Above all else display a great attitude consistently regardless of how the barristers may treat you." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| How to Answer Difficult Questions | 24 avr. 2024 | 00:12:51 | |
This episode provides valuable insights on how to effectively answer difficult questions, particularly in a court setting. Michael emphasises the importance of being in a balanced state of mind, actively listening to questions, and taking the time to formulate thoughtful responses. Practical tips such as acknowledging errors, providing context for actions, and being honest when unsure are also discussed. Overall, the episode offers a comprehensive guide on handling difficult questions with composure and clarity, making it a valuable resource for anyone facing challenging questioning situations. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Listening is a key skill in so many areas of your life. When your capacity to listen is impaired, of course you do not hear properly, or you mishear, misread or misinterpret whatever is being asked of you." "Questions are difficult when they come from an angle you had not expected or highlight an area which is totally new to you or unfamiliar to you." "It is better to take your time and answer the question properly than fail to answer it by answering it poorly and placing yourself in problems because you rushed in due to worrying about taking too long to respond." "A tip in answering questions is to be like water. In other words, go with the flow. Unless you have a good or strong reason to challenge or deny any assertion, then make sure, if you do deny or disagree with what's being said, that you can back up your argument with supporting evidence." "Never lie when answering questions. I hope you really enjoyed this episode and got a great deal out of it. Thank you very much for listening." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Children Used As Weapons | 17 avr. 2024 | 00:10:14 | |
This episode delves into the impact of parents using their children as tools for control, punishment, and negotiation. The episode highlights how some parents, with unmet needs from their own upbringing, prioritise their own desires over their children's well-being. Through a detailed narrative, the episode explores a harrowing case where a child is subjected to emotional abuse and manipulation by one parent, leading to long-term emotional damage and the need for therapeutic support. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
VALUABLE RESOURCES HOST BIO | |||
| Persuasion | 03 avr. 2024 | 00:10:39 | |
This episode delves into the crucial skill of persuasion and its significance in various aspects of life, particularly in social work and legal settings. Michael emphasises the importance of building trust with clients by demonstrating competence and genuine care. He highlights the power of listening, valuing others, and showing warmth and enthusiasm to establish meaningful connections. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care." "Your time is your most valuable asset or resource, so taking the time to listen to another is an indication of how much you value them." "Instead of arguing, blaming or criticising anyone, if you want to stand a chance of positively influencing them... find things you agree on with them." "Your ability to listen clearly to the questions is vital because if you don't pay attention to the questions, you won't be able to satisfactorily answer them." "Having a great attitude throughout your time in the witness box and whilst in court and outside of it is key to how you present in a positive manner at court." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Attunement | 27 mars 2024 | 00:14:31 | |
This episode talks about the crucial concept of being well-attuned to a child's emotional needs and feelings, emphasising the profound impact it has on their development. Through a detailed exploration of a case involving a young mother with a traumatic past, the episode highlights how a lack of attunement can lead to significant harm and distress for the child. The narrative underscores the importance of parents being present, empathetic, and understanding towards their children, as this forms the foundation for building strong attachments and fostering a healthy upbringing. . KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "When a parent or an adult is able to understand what's going on for a child and can accurately describe how a child thinks and feels, we can say that that adult is well attuned to the child." "Parents who lack the capacity to be well attuned to the needs, wishes and feelings of their children are often lacking in insight and consumed or focused on their own issues." "It appears she thought this way because her abuser, a family member, had told her that her grandmother and mother would kill her, and she had believed it." "Being attuned to your child's emotions, thoughts and needs, and being able to act consistently in accordance with those needs is one of the most important skills you can develop and exercise as a parent." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Factors That Move the Needle | 20 mars 2024 | 00:09:28 | |
In this episode, Michael explores the essential aspects of building positive relationships with families as a social worker. He stresses the importance of understanding the factors that can influence a family's perception of social workers and how to address any preconceived notions or negative experiences. The episode provides valuable insights on fostering trust, communication, empathy, and consistency in interactions with parents and families. It highlights the significance of genuine interest, active listening, empathy, and offering support to create meaningful connections. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Social workers are involved with instigating care proceedings as a last-ditch method to ensure the child's safety and well-being." "Developing a positive working relationship with a child and parent depends upon many factors, some of which may have nothing to do with you." "One of the fastest ways to get people to dislike you and create enmity is to criticise another and tell them that they are wrong." "Be genuinely interested in them and their life. People, even under unpleasant situations, like to know that they have the attention and interest of others." "Remember their stories and experiences too. People's experiences influence them and can make them who they become." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| One Case Can Take All Your Time | 13 mars 2024 | 00:12:11 | |
Michael delves into the challenges faced by child social workers when dealing with highly demanding and emotionally consuming cases. The episode highlights the story of a 15-year-old boy named Craig, who had a traumatic upbringing and exhibited aggressive and violent behaviour. Despite efforts to find suitable placements for Craig, his behaviour continued to pose challenges, leading to frequent changes in his living arrangements. It sheds light on the difficult decisions social workers must make in prioritizing cases and providing the necessary support to children and families in need. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "No matter how small or large your caseload, you probably know from experience that you only need one or two highly challenging time and emotionally consuming cases to monopolise most, if not all, of your time." "Despite this reality, you still have to strive to ensure that you give each case the necessary attention, thought and consideration that each case deserves." "A case that springs to my mind involved a 15-year-old boy who I refer to as Craig. Craig was one of the most traumatised and dysregulated young men who I have ever come across." "The frustrating thing is that the nature of some cases leaves you with no choice other than focusing on them and this is all the more likely when the case is in care proceedings." "As a social worker, you have quite a bit of discretion concerning how you spend your time most constructively. But apart from what you are instructed to do by your manager or managers, your attention will tend to centre on who you perceive to be most at risk and who screams the loudest." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Subject of a Complaint | 06 mars 2024 | 00:11:55 | |
Join Michael as he delves into the challenges and risks faced by social workers working with children and vulnerable individuals. Through personal experiences, Michael highlights the potential consequences of complaints lodged against social workers, shedding light on the impact such accusations can have on one's career and well-being. Michael emphasises the importance of self-care and resilience in the face of adversity. He urges social workers to prioritise their own mental and emotional health amidst the demanding nature of their profession. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Your involvement saves lives, but also offers a child a better standard of care." "Undertaking this work is associated with risks, including complaints that could jeopardise your livelihood." "I was frankly astonished that I could lose a contract under such spurious allegations." "The complaints were not substantiated, but the threat of potential loss of livelihood lingered for a year." "In looking back on that case, it was one of the most unpleasant cases I've experienced." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Violence - It's Just Part Of The Job | 28 févr. 2024 | 00:13:38 | |
Michael addresses the pervasive issue of physical violence, intimidation, and abuse faced by social care workers. Join Michael as he passionately advocates for the prioritisation of self-care among social workers, emphasising the need for proper training, support, and protection in the face of violent situations. He urges social workers to report incidents of abuse, seek necessary support, and push for systemic changes to ensure their safety and well-being. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Violence and the threat of violence should not be tolerated in any way." "Social workers routinely attend visits on their own, walking into risky and dangerous situations unprotected." "Many social workers didn't report incidents of abuse to the authorities because they believed abuse was just part of the job." "Fear or feeling vulnerable was found to be a significant consequence of client violence." "The time has come for employers and wider society to assume a far greater role in keeping social care workers safe." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Why Self Care Is Key | 21 févr. 2024 | 00:10:43 | |
Join Michael in this episode as he talks about the realities and challenges of being a social worker. Michael emphasises the need for self-care as a means of coping with the demands of the job and talks about the skills you need to work on to help manage the stress. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "The decisions we make in life are key to our success or lack of it." "Your ability to manage your various relationships in life is of inestimable value." "Your thoughts, feelings, and self-talk are critical to how you feel about you." "The responsibility for taking care of your health and well-being always rests solely with you." "Social workers are trying to save vulnerable people's lives and promote their health, safety, and well-being." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| The Clues We Miss | 14 févr. 2024 | 00:13:47 | |
Michael explores the challenges faced by professionals in identifying and addressing child abuse and neglect. Drawing from personal experiences as a children's guardian, Michael highlights cases where reports and referrals about children's welfare were not substantiated, leading to continued harm. The episode focuses on a specific case involving a mother, her son Kay, and their tumultuous journey through various care arrangements. Michael reflects on the missed signs and clues that could have prevented the ongoing harm to Kay and his siblings. This thought-provoking episode emphasises the importance of thorough assessments, reflection, and awareness in safeguarding children's well-being. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Almost routinely these referrals were investigated, but found to be unsubstantiated, resulting in the child or children remaining in environments and circumstances which it was discovered, often years later, were extremely harmful to them." "The frustrating thing was, I was always left with the feeling that surely this could have been prevented. but the parent and family had clearly chosen to do their best to pull the wool over the professional's eyes and had often been successful at doing so, albeit at the expense of their child's health and well-being." "It was clear to me that she loved Kay, felt guilty about not caring for him and wanted to, but after only a few questions admitted she was not able to meet his needs." "This case highlighted for me how professionals, given the pressures of the work they are engaged in, and given their finite resources, can and often are persuaded by parents to accept that children are being adequately cared for when they are not." "Missing clues and signs is something that as human beings we are all capable of doing. The willingness and ability to reflect on information gathered is thus of crucial importance to safeguarding and meeting the needs of children." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| What We Really Need To Learn | 07 févr. 2024 | 00:14:08 | |
Following the death of Bronson Battersby in January of this year (2024) Michael talks about the lessons that we can all learn from this awful tragedy. He talks about the scrutiny social workers often come under in these cases and why we all have a responsibility for children's welfare and safety. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "The social worker had done all that was required of her and more" "How does one recover from such a discovery?" "Their work is either taken for granted, minimised or taken for granted" "To expect social workers to always get it right when they consistently go unrecognised...is nothing short of folly" VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| No Place To Hide | 31 janv. 2024 | 00:09:25 | |
Michael explores the intense and challenging experience of being a witness in a courtroom. The episode sets the stage for a high-pressure environment where there are no back doors or escape routes. The host emphasises the importance of facing the situation head-on and maintaining a positive mindset throughout the process. The episode provides practical tips for witnesses to eliminate doubt and uncertainty, master their inner conversations, and create an emotional barrier to remain composed during cross-examination. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "The stage is set, there are no back doors, and there is no option other than you having to face the music." "Giving evidence is a very responsible and serious event, and unsurprisingly there can be serious consequences if it is discovered that you have lied or are lying in court." "If or when humans sense fear and weakness, it stirs or excites base animalistic tendencies inside them, fueling the desire to attack." "The thing that has to be grasped by all witnesses is that you are fully on show throughout your time in the witness box." "You can remove doubt and uncertainty from your mind by repetitively going over your arguments and evidence, reasoning them out and then convincing yourself why your arguments and conclusions are sound." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| History Repeats Itself | 24 janv. 2024 | 00:08:26 | |
Michael explores the phenomenon of events and experiences repeating across generations. The focus is on the unfortunate recurrence of tragedies and hardships, such as mental illness, sexual abuse, and domestic violence, within families. Drawing from their experience in social work, Michael discusses how these painful events continue to affect parents and their children, despite the parents' desire to protect their children from such harm. The episode raises thought-provoking questions about the role of communication, support, and the need for individuals to break free from the cycle of their own childhood experiences. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Have you ever wondered why the events that happen in one generation tend to repeat themselves in the next and successive generations?" "But why do we see, for example, issues such as mental ill health, sexual abuse, domestic abuse occurring in the lives of the parents and the children we work with, given that such events and experiences tend to be the last thing parents would want their children to encounter?" "Surely you might think that any parent who has been subjected to the trauma of child sexual abuse, for instance, would ensure that their child was protected from such abuse. But too often, children remain unprotected." "As the matter was never openly talked about, no emotional or psychological support or therapy was ever provided to her. She was left to cope with the burden of the sexual abuse totally on her own." "In any home environment where children are not encouraged to express and share their thoughts and feelings, and when in addition parents do not actively demonstrate their attentiveness to their children and willingness to listen to, believe, support and protect them, That home environment is conducive to promoting the situations in which children can be harmed." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Angles of Attack | 17 janv. 2024 | 00:10:49 | |
Michael reflects on his experiences giving evidence in court. He emphasises the importance of listening to the different angles from which barristers pose their questions to effectively address them as a witnesses. Michael shares examples of how they navigated challenging questions during cross-examination, highlighting the need to respond truthfully and constructively. They also discuss the significance of staying focused on the best interests of the child involved in the case, despite attempts by barristers to divert the conversation. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "You always have to be watching and listening... pay attention to the angles they are coming from when they address their questions to witnesses." "The truth of the matter was that I had only had about three weeks in which to start and complete the work. So the answer to the question was a simple yes." "Whilst it's true that she met with me on six occasions, that has only been possible as a result of arranging 12 appointments with her." "As stated in my report, I have a lot of sympathy for the mother due to her very unhappy childhood. But my focus has to be in meeting the needs of the child." "In my experience, whilst it is helpful to be as prepared as possible for the different angles of attack a barrister's questions may pose, it is even more crucial to remain constantly focused on the needs of the child." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Through A Child's Eyes | 10 janv. 2024 | 00:10:30 | |
Join Michael as he explores the importance of empathy and seeing things from the perspective of others. He emphasises how mastering this skill can greatly improve relationships and create harmony in the world. The episode delves into the significance of empathy in parenting, highlighting the detrimental effects of neglecting a child's wishes and feelings. The episode also discusses the role of professionals in understanding and advocating for children's needs, emphasising the importance of assessing what is in the child's best interest in the long term. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "One of the key skills you have to master in any relationship is the ability to see things through the eyes of other people." "If nations could view their actions and inaction in the eyes of other nations they are in some type of conflict with, and were committed to righting any past or current wrongdoings, there would be far more harmony in the world and the world would be a safer, more peaceful place to live in." "Feeling and knowing that parents or caregivers are well tuned in to your child's feelings and desires allows children to feel emotionally held, seen, heard, acknowledged, significant and valued." "Children are highly sensitive to their parents' behaviour and actions, and often assume far greater responsibility for a parent's actions than is proportionate with their real level of influence." "Your ability to be sensitive to the child's various needs, having the insight concerning how the child is affected by their circumstances, whilst holding an overview of the environment and parenting they require to secure their health and development and long-term needs is crucial to display in both your assessment and the evidence you present in the witness box." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Our Worst Experiences | 20 déc. 2023 | 00:10:24 | |
Michael explores the concept of dealing with personal disasters and catastrophes. The episode begins by acknowledging the natural inclination to question why these bad things happen to us, but emphasises the importance of not remaining in a victim mindset. Michael shares personal experiences and highlights the need to let go of the past, take responsibility for one's actions, and find meaning and growth in the face of adversity. Drawing inspiration from individuals like Viktor Frankl, Helen Keller, and Harriet Tubman, the episode showcases how our worst experiences can ultimately lead to personal triumph and positive change. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Asking yourself that kind of question is fine if you want to remain in a woe-is-me-like state of mind, but not if you want to get over it and make the most of your life." "You have to get to a point in life where you begin to weigh up what's helping you to progress from what's holding you back." "Instead of asking yourself the question of why this happened to you, a more empowering question would be to ask, what can I learn from what happened to me?" "The above-named people are examples of people who triumphed despite the huge odds stacked against them, proving that our bad or worst experiences are not what defines us." "So my worst or close to the worst experience of my life, the experience that caused me so much pain and distress, has resulted in me being able to not only give evidence very well, but also help others to do the same thing." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Difficult Conversations | 13 déc. 2023 | 00:11:57 | |
In this episode, Michael reflects on the importance of addressing uncomfortable or challenging discussions. Inspired by a Simon Sinek interview, Michael talks about the need to express fears and anxieties about having these conversations with the person involved. He discusses the significance of maintaining relationships and the potential risks of ignoring unresolved issues. Michael shares personal experiences and highlights the importance of planning and preparation when approaching difficult conversations. They also discuss the potential outcomes and the need to establish boundaries and guidelines for effective communication. The episode concludes with the reminder that difficult conversations are a part of life, and the lessons learned from each experience can be valuable for personal growth and improved relationships. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "If you are fearful, or what could result from having the conversation, that you can explain or express your anxiety about it, and ask the person to be patient and understanding as concerns your fears." "The outcome of his conversation with his friend was extremely positive because it resulted in them both being willing and able to open up and discuss a number of matters which led to their friendship being strengthened yet further." "What frequently occurs then, as a result, is that you carry around the burden of indignation or upset with you, knowing that you have to somehow discuss and air your thoughts and feelings in a constructive as opposed to destructive manner." "The likelihood is that the worst that can happen is that the conversation becomes heated, unpleasant, and you lose your friendship. Were that to happen though, you would likely have cause to question the real quality of that friendship in the first place." "As this example illustrates, difficult conversations are a part of life. Where it is possible to prepare, plan and enter into manageable agreements to influence the outcome in a positive way, this is clearly preferable." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Cross-Examining the Unconventional: Challenging Testimony in the Courtroom | 06 déc. 2023 | 00:12:56 | |
Michael reflects on the concept of testimony and credibility in the context of a film called The Gift. The film explores the idea of extrasensory perception and the challenges of presenting such evidence in a court of law. Drawing parallels to the family court, Michael talks about the importance of thoroughly assessing and understanding the factors causing harm to a child. By gaining insight into the thoughts, behaviours, and habits of the parent or caregiver, one can predict the likelihood of future harm and present compelling evidence to support their conclusions. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Cate Blanchett, through her visions, was able to tell the police where to search for a woman who had been reported missing for several days." "Her evidence was viewed as highly unusual and controversial... her testimony was both ridiculed and rubbished during cross-examination." "Understanding the reasons behind a parent's harmful or abusive behaviour invariably involves gaining insight into their thoughts and feelings, beliefs, values, parenting experiences, childhood environment and circumstances." "Your ability to predict is not because you are psychic, but because you have assessed the parent diligently, observed their responses, ascertained their beliefs, experiences and view of life." "Your evidence then is the structure upon which your arguments and conclusions are built... Without the evidence to prove your case, your arguments would not be sound and could not withstand the rigorous scrutiny of cross-examination." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Make A Positive Difference | 29 nov. 2023 | 00:11:11 | |
Michael explores the motivation behind the work that people do, particularly in professions such as social work, teaching, and nursing. The episode acknowledges the desire to make a positive impact in the lives of clients and discusses the challenges that arise when working with children and families who may not agree with the professional's perspective. The episode also highlights the indirect positive impact that making a difference in others' lives has on one's own self-esteem and the importance of valuing and improving one's own life. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "We all want to make a difference, some form of positive impact in the lives of those we work with, support or advocate for." "Your sense of self-esteem and self-worth are increased as a result. You feel significant and this is something we all want and need to feel in some way or another." "Having a social worker allocated to your child instantly puts parents in conflict with you because they view the presence of a social worker as an insult or slur in connection with their image as a good parent." "No one likes to be monitored and asked to do things they don't want to do and, crucially, don't believe they need to do." "But how do you know whether you have made a positive difference in the lives of others or not? Since the outcome of your contribution is often not easy to either identify or quantify until much later." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| What's In A Smile? | 22 nov. 2023 | 00:10:57 | |
Michael explores the profound impact a smile can have on a newborn baby and throughout their life. The episode emphasises the importance of a parent's smile in conveying love, trust, and a sense of belonging to their child. It highlights how a smile can shape a child's self-esteem, resilience, and ability to express love to others. The episode also discusses the power of a smile in creating healthy attachments and fostering positive relationships. Additionally, it explores the benefits of smiling for both physical and emotional well-being, including reducing pain, lifting mood, and improving the immune system. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Your smile says so many things to your newborn, probably more than you ever realise." "Your smile sends a priceless message, namely that you are trustworthy and that they can trust you with their life, which is exactly what babies and children do." "When you smile enthusiastically at a baby and display exuberance in relation to seeing them, they learn to mirror this same enthusiasm and exuberance and they feel it towards you." "No one really wants a partner or relationship with someone who just looks good and has no other valuable attributes to offer." "Smiling aids in reducing pain since studies have shown that when you smile you release endorphins, serotonin and other natural painkillers." VALUABLE RESOURCES familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 HOST BIO Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| What Are You Trading Your Life For? | 15 nov. 2023 | 00:10:02 | |
In this episode titled "What are you trading your life for?" Michael shares a powerful encounter in an accident and emergency waiting room. A stressful and upsetting encounter prompts Michael to reflect on the importance of discovering one's purpose in life and the impact it can have on overall well-being. The episode explores the idea of trading one's life for something meaningful and fulfilling, urging listeners to take the time to identify their purpose and make their lives truly worth living. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Having a clear goal in mind and a strong reason to reach your destination provides you with a purpose that not only gives you a life meaning but acts as a balm against the difficulties and challenges that we all face." "Nearly everyone spends a lot of their time engaging in jobs that they at best tolerate and at worst detest." "People who have found what they love spending their time doing, and who have devoted their time to pursuing their dream and making it a reality, are so inspired by their life that depression, despondency and despair are emotions and or a state of mind that they are totally insulated against." "No matter how satisfied or dissatisfied you are with your life, take the time now to think about what you want to do with the rest of it. Decide right now to make your life really worth living." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| The Link Between Feelings and Productivity! | 08 nov. 2023 | 00:11:06 | |
This episode explores the importance of well-being and care for employees in various industries. Drawing from interviews with Ariana Huffington and Simon Sinek, Michael highlights the detrimental effects of neglecting the mental health and well-being of workers. The episode emphasises the need for companies to prioritise the care and empowerment of their employees, as it directly impacts productivity and the quality of service provided to clients. Michael also discusses the alarming statistics of preventable deaths in hospitals due to a focus on numbers rather than the well-being of healthcare workers. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Mental health and well-being are central to productivity. When I'm exhausted and burnt out, I'm the worst version of myself." "We need to define well-being correctly. Well-being is not about cuddling an employee. It means empowering them, helping them with tools that they need to be the best version of themselves." "There has to be this general feeling that the company cares about me as a human being, that I'm seen, that I'm heard, that I'm understood, that I believe in the vision and that I want to advance the culture." "Hospitals are run like businesses, they are run based on focusing on the numbers. This means that although they are caring for large numbers of people and are highly skilled, they work in a culture that does not care for those who are doing this vital work." "The total lack of care offered by employers would be reasonable only if their workforce was composed entirely of artificial intelligence. Human beings though need to be cared for, listened to, valued and respected." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Am I On Trial? | 01 nov. 2023 | 00:10:37 | |
In this episode titled "Am I on trial?", Michael reflects on his traumatic experience of giving evidence at the family court. Following the brutal death of a young child, Michael found himself feeling as though he was the one on trial for the child's murder. The intense emotions and self-doubt that accompanied his time in the witness box were exacerbated by the adversarial environment of the court and the scathing cross-examination he endured. Michael discusses the importance of maintaining control over one's emotions and thoughts while giving evidence, emphasizing the need for self-confidence and clarity. He also explores the tactics employed by barristers during cross-examination and offer insights on how to effectively defend oneself in this challenging and emotionally charged situation. Ultimately, the episode highlights the importance of presenting one's evidence calmly and convincingly to leave no doubt in the judge's mind about the reliability of their testimony. KEY TAKEAWAYS:
BEST MOMENTS "The scathing nature of the cross-examination I experienced, more than any other factor I could identify, was responsible for me questioning whether I was on trial for the child's murder." "Giving evidence is very much a mental and emotional game that you have to master. You have to be in control of your emotions, thoughts and inner conversations, so as to ensure that your inner discussions are fully supporting you as opposed to undermining you." "Although it may at first sound dramatic to talk about giving evidence as a game and then refer to tactics of emotional and psychological warfare in connection with it, the reality of the situation is that when you are in the witness box, whether you realise it or not, you are engaged in a very real battle." "The best way to play the game is not to present or behave as though you are [at war]. You leave the aggression to the barrister, your role is to remain stoic, patient, thoughtful, insightful and convincing. That is how you win the battle." CONTACT DETAILS Instagram: michael240656 ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| Giving Evidence | 24 oct. 2023 | 00:10:31 | |
In this episode, the Incredible Witness podcast explores the challenging and often daunting experience of being a witness in court. The host acknowledges that giving evidence can be unfamiliar and potentially traumatic for most people, as it requires stepping outside of one's comfort zone. The episode delves into the skills and preparation needed to provide compelling and convincing evidence as a social work expert witness in family law cases. The importance of thorough assessment, active listening, asking insightful questions, and maintaining a balanced emotional and mental state are highlighted as crucial elements in delivering effective testimony. Listeners are encouraged to embrace the difficulties of giving evidence and strive to improve their abilities in order to navigate the stress and pressure of the witness box. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Any witness giving evidence in court or who has given evidence will testify that it is invariably a daunting and exposing experience that most people are unfamiliar with and unsurprisingly are not eager to repeat." "Giving evidence and being cross examined is like life itself… in that it is never meant to be easy. It is a test or examination of your evidence that you provide when under very pressurized environments, better known as a stress test of your evidence." "In my experience, and I have over 33 years of experience in this area, when given your evidence it represents the culmination of all the work you have undertaken as well as the behavioural events and experiences you have witnessed or been informed of in connection with the person or persons being assessed." "Your ability to carefully listen to what you are told whilst assessing a client, whilst being asked questions in the witness box, and to listen to your own voice of intuition throughout are highly valuable skills that need to be honed." "Offering concise, compelling responses to questions posed to you can only be done when you are in full control of your emotional and mental state… Maintaining a positive attitude and a good measure of control throughout your time in the witness box with regard to your emotional and mental state will help you stand out and your evidence be preferred in the eyes of the judge to the evidence given by others." ABOUT THE HOST familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Trust is Everything: Exploring the Vital Role of Trust in Relationships | 18 oct. 2023 | 00:10:12 | |
Join Michael as he reflects on the profound words of his brother, who once said that trust is the foundation of any relationship. He explores the significance of trust in his work with clients, particularly in the context of helping children and families. Michael talks about the lack of trust in various relationships, such as between politicians and the electorate, and employers and employees, emphasising the importance of actions that promote trust, such as being transparent, consistent, and empathetic. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "When there is trust, you can move mountains. Without trust, every step is a mountain to climb." "In our country, and in all countries around the globe, trust and faith in others is a vital but missing ingredient, responsible for so many problems all over the world." "Just being part of a different gender, culture, ethnicity, religion, class, sexual orientation or speak in a different language is for a lot of people sufficient to engender both suspicion and mistrust." "Your confidence in yourself is the ingredient that makes all the difference between success and failure." Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Balancing Act: The Key to Effective Communication and Persuasive Testimony | 11 oct. 2023 | 00:10:37 | |
Michael explores the challenges of remaining calm and composed during cross-examination in a courtroom setting. The episode emphasises the importance of self-control and managing emotions while giving evidence, highlighting the need to maintain a balanced state of mind. Michael provides insights on how to prepare and practice effectively, as well as the significance of showcasing knowledge, skills, and experience during examination. The episode also discusses the role of maintaining emotional balance in answering questions and making well-reasoned arguments. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "You have to manage any feelings of anxiety and dispel thoughts of doubt and uncertainty from your mind." "Your preparation and practice of both perfecting your arguments and maintaining a calm emotional state and attitude are all essential prior to attending court." "The key to being able to skillfully execute answering questions lies in your ability at all times to maintain as close to perfect balance with regard to your emotional state." "Speaking prior to thinking is guaranteed to be taken advantage of by anyone cross-examining you." "Balance in giving evidence is as imperative as developing balance in your personal life." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Seeking Security: The Power of Guarantees in Our Lives | 03 oct. 2023 | 00:12:17 | |
In this episode titled "Guarantees," Michael explores the human desire for security and certainty in various aspects of life. From infancy to adulthood, we seek the reassurance of love and stability from our caregivers. The episode delves into how inconsistent and unpredictable parenting can have long-lasting effects on individuals, hindering their ability to cope with uncertainty. It also discusses the importance of guarantees in sales and how removing risk can make offers more enticing. The episode challenges listeners to shift their mindset from seeking guarantees to adopting an attitude of believing in their own ability to succeed. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "From our earliest moments, when distressed as a young baby, we seek the security of knowing that our caregivers will be there to give us the love, attention, affection, food and comfort that we need to survive and thrive." "In a world that is full of uncertainty, knowing that you have been able to depend upon predictable, nurturing care throughout one's childhood is a priceless gift that so many are denied." "Irresistible offers are offers that almost seem too good to be true because they are stacked in such a way that the risk seems small or non-existent when compared to the value or benefits of what it seems almost inevitable a buyer will get from the transaction." "But what if, instead of being in a state of paralysis due to indecision, doubt and fear, you were able to adopt a different attitude?" "Instead of looking for security and guarantees, they adopted a state of mind that knew it was impossible to fail, as long as they never stopped trying." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Predictable Success: The Key to Achieving Your Goals | 26 sept. 2023 | 00:10:37 | |
This episode explores the importance of finding a balance between predictability and surprise in our lives. Drawing parallels between storytelling and real life, Michael emphasises the need for unpredictability in books and films to keep us engaged and captivated. However, in our own lives, we crave a certain level of predictability and stability to feel in control. The episode delves into the significance of predictability in early childhood development, highlighting how consistent and loving interactions from parents shape a child's brain and foster healthy attachments. Michael also discusses the impact of inconsistent parenting and the importance of positive eye contact in a child's perception of themselves and the world.
BEST MOMENTS "When reading a book or watching a film, one of the last things you want to experience is predictability since that will pretty much guarantee you feeling bored or sending you to sleep." - Host (23 words) "Babies who receive appropriate care learn over a period of time that when they cry or are distressed that their parent, who is well attuned to their needs and feelings, will hear their cries and appear to provide actions designed to soothe their upset." - Interviewee (42 words) "It affects how their brain develops, impacting on how they begin to feel, think and learn to make sense of their world." - Interviewee (24 words) "Parents, on the other hand, who are eager to offer their infants the best possible care will do all they can to provide them with comfort and reassurance that they are loved and wanted and belong to them." - Interviewee (41 words) "The only thing you can be certain of, that's absolutely guaranteed, is that you cannot be successful if you fail to start it." - Host (24 words) [00:02:23] Development of healthy attachments. [00:07:48] Positive eye contact and comfort. [00:08:42] Positive predictability in parenting. familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Who Are You Being Influenced By? | 20 sept. 2023 | 00:11:13 | |
Michael explores the concept of influence and its impact on our thoughts, beliefs, and actions. Drawing from personal experiences and examples, he highlights the importance of being aware of the information we consume and the people we allow to influence us. This episode emphasises the need to question and challenge our own thoughts and seek out reliable and qualified sources of influence that align with our goals and aspirations. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Once you have heard a piece of evidence, it's hard then to behave as though you haven't." "We all have blind spots, biases, values, beliefs, proclivities and idiosyncrasies, whether we recognize this or not." "It's easy to be influenced by what you see and hear on the television, but it's just as easy to be influenced by what friends or colleagues say to you." "What these experiences taught me was the necessity of asking questions of others and myself." "Make sure you are being influenced only by those who are qualified to lead you in the destination you desire." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Time: The Most Precious Gift We Often Take for Granted | 13 sept. 2023 | 00:10:13 | |
Michael shares a personal experience that made him reflect on the value of time and the way we often take it for granted. This incident prompted him to contemplate the brevity of life and the importance of making the most of our time. Michael discusses how many people live for the weekends, not truly enjoying the weekdays because they are not doing what they love. The episode encourages listeners to prioritise their passions and make the most of their time by pursuing meaningful goals and becoming the best version of themselves. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Had I just recklessly risked my life? If so, what madness had possessed me?" "It was without doubt a surreal moment. I was there, but another part of me wasn't, as if I was watching myself from a slight distance." "Although quite why we fail to think about this and live our lives to the full, giving it all we've got, fully cognizant of the reality that our lives could come to an end at any time is a bit of a mystery." "Every hour that passes is an hour that can never be retrieved. Once it is gone, it's gone forever. No amount of money can buy you back the time that has elapsed." "When you're doing something you love, time flies, because you're so captivated by it that you lose your sense of time whilst engaged in it." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| What Did Your Childhood Do To You? | 05 sept. 2023 | 00:10:29 | |
Join Michael as he explores the significance of our childhood experiences in shaping our personalities and lives. He emphasises the role of parents in a child's development, highlighting how their actions and behaviours convey important messages to children. The episode delves into the impact of consistent eye contact, warmth, and love from parents, as well as the consequences of exposure to conflict and violence. Michael also discusses the importance of understanding one's own childhood experiences and how they can influence our parenting styles. By reflecting on our childhood and challenging any negative beliefs or burdens we may carry, we can make positive changes in our lives as adults. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "Our childhood is the foundation on which our personality, life, and experiences are built." "A simple yet consistent action such as giving you eye contact and smiling at you tells you that you are visible and significant enough to be accepted and receive attention." "Childhood is significant because what we learn in our childhood we invariably are inclined to carry forward into our adult lives and affects the parents we become." "Reflecting back over your childhood and identifying the messages you received or the interpretations you made from your childhood experiences is a highly useful thing to do." "Taking the time to reflect on your childhood and deciding as an independent adult what you wish to believe about yourself is a wise and fruitful course of action to take." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| The Problem with Bias | 29 août 2023 | 00:09:36 | |
This episode explores the lasting impact of discriminatory experiences on individuals and communities. Michael discusses how even a single instance of unfair treatment can leave a negative emotional residue, but when discrimination occurs regularly, it can lead to feelings of persecution, anger, and resentment. Michael emphasises the compounding effect of repeated discrimination, which can have detrimental effects on mental health, self-esteem, and confidence. He also shares a personal experience as a social worker, highlighting the importance of recognising and addressing bias in professional assessments. Overall, the episode sheds light on the pervasive nature of discrimination and the need for greater awareness and understanding of its impact. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS "People who have lived through any discriminatory experience almost inevitably develop strong feelings towards those they see as having wronged them, and these feelings if experienced often, may develop into feelings of persecution." "If you regularly are subjected to discriminatory experiences, you become far less ease to shrug it off because the impact has a compounding effect." "The experiences are traumatic and the compounding impact is such that not only are recipients of discrimination unable to shrug off the effects, but because they occur often, the impact is pervasive and sensitising, causing people to become vulnerable, distressed and anxious." "Individuals or groups of people who are subjected regularly to discrimination begin to look for and expect the same or similar treatment waiting for them around the corner." "Certain discriminated groups though live their entire lives in the shadow of discrimination and this splights their lives to a far greater degree than the majority of people ever even begin to realize." familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Stretched | 22 août 2023 | 00:10:18 | |
In this episode the host of the Incredible Witness Podcast reflects on the demanding nature of being a social worker, drawing a comparison to the character Reed from the Fantastic Four who could stretch his limbs. The host discusses the constant need for social workers to go above and beyond to safeguard children and families, often facing uncomfortable and challenging tasks. They highlight the immense pressure and time constraints faced by social workers involved in court proceedings, where every action is scrutinised. The episode emphasises the importance of self-care and setting clear goals to avoid burnout and maintain well-being in a role that can be both rewarding and taxing. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| How Do You Feel About That? | 15 août 2023 | 00:09:55 | |
Michael addresses the challenges faced by children's social workers and the lack of time and support they have to do quality work. He highlights the pressure and workload that social workers face, often taking their work home and sacrificing personal time. He discusses the emotional and mental exhaustion of dealing with multiple cases simultaneously, likening it to a headless chicken running around. The episode also explores the contradiction between the importance of self-care and the demanding nature of the work. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS
ABOUT THE HOST familycourtcoaching@gmail.com Instagram: michael240656 Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills. | |||
| Pushing Back | 09 août 2023 | 00:10:19 | |
When encountering problems in life it is advantageous to know when getting ready to fight a situation exactly what it is you can change and what you can’t. Knowing what is a worthwhile challenge and a sensible and well-placed use of your efforts, directly affects the effectiveness of your influence. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS CONTACT METHOD ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| Trauma | 01 août 2023 | 00:11:39 | |
Michael explains the trauma response, the body and mind long-term reaction to distressing events, and its particular impact on young children including their vulnerability at a very early age to abuse. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS CONTACT METHOD ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| Burn Your Bridges! | 25 juil. 2023 | 00:09:40 | |
If you want to achieve your goals, you can create complete commitment in yourself by removing your means of retreat. Michael points out that winning is easier if it is your only option. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS CONTACT METHOD ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| Correct Your Mistakes | 18 juil. 2023 | 00:10:50 | |
We all make mistakes, but when we fail to correct a mistake, we have just made yet another error. Michael explains to avoid a cascade of constant errors, always take responsibility for your mistakes, hold yourself to account and constantly be willing to learn. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS ‘Habits once formed have become ingrained and become harder to fix, requiring time and sustained effort to change.’ ‘Even when you do well there are aspects you can learn from to improve on.’ ‘Just because you win or succeed in any undertaking, it doesn’t mean that you cannot learn a great deal more from observing your performance.’ ‘Even if you feel that you are pretty much content with your life just the way it is, there are likely at least one or two areas of your life that you could do with some improvement.’ CONTACT METHOD ABOUT THE HOST | |||
| You're On Your Own | 11 juil. 2023 | 00:09:10 | |
Michael recalls his first experience in the witness box and explains that when it comes to testifying in the family court you really are all on your own. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS ‘I was just thinking about the first time I ever gave evidence and how I tentatively searched the faces of the people observing me in the witness box, naively, in a futile attempt to see if there was anyone that I could call upon to help me.’ ‘Blaming others never helps or addresses the problem.’ ‘During the management of the case, the judge is careful to identify those matters where evidence needs to be heard and only chooses those witnesses whose evidence is crucial to determine the outcome of the case.’ CONTACT METHOD Instagram: michael240656 ABOUT THE HOST Michael Watson is a qualified social worker and author with over thirty years of experience working with children and families. As an expert in family court, Michael is in a key position to assist, advise, and coach parents through their private law family proceedings and provide them with the information and skills to represent themselves successfully in court. His two books, ‘How to Represent Yourself in Family Court’, and ‘FAMILY COURT: Giving Evidence In Family Court’, provide parents with a clearer understanding of family court proceedings, legislation, and parenting skills.
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| What Will People Think of Me ? | 04 juil. 2023 | 00:11:20 | |
Most people are concerned with what others think of them but in this episode, Michael tackles how you should alter your mindset to honour what you think of yourself primarily and pursue the goals that you desire and are relevant to your needs, and how this can give you an advantage in the court setting. KEY TAKEAWAYS
BEST MOMENTS CONTACT METHOD | |||