FAMILY COUNSELING
& MEDIATION CENTER
Robert Terris JD, MFT
Robert Terris JD, MFT
I am dedicated to finding lasting solutions to family problems. I have been practicing understanding-based mediation since 2002 in a variety of family and legal settings. As both a licensed attorney and family therapist, I offer unique skills in settling legal issues with emotional undercurrents. I am committed to helping people work through their problems and preserve their relationships. I have a profound ability to understand my clients' points of view and zero in on the concerns underlying their positions. I ask everyone in the room to delve deep, to listen and understand, and to clarify and articulate their needs and interests. This leads to enhanced empathy, more creativity, practical solutions, and long-lasting agreements. For more information about my work as a therapist, see www.robertterris.com.
Education
Berkeley Law (University of California), J.D.
Wright Institute, Counseling Psychology, M.A.
Gothenburg University, Peace and Conflict Studies, M.S
Certificates and Licenses
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (MFC #51095), California Board of Behavioral Sciences
Licensed Attorney (State Bar #233395), State Bar of California
Professional Affiliations
UC Hastings College of Law, Center for Negotiation and Dispute Resolution, Adjunct Professor, 2013-2016
Golden Gate University, Department of Psychology, Adjunct Professor, 2013-2015
Alameda County Superior Court, Mediation Panel Member
California Court of Appeals, Third Appellate District, Mediation Panel Member
Contra Costa Superior Court, ADR Panel Member
Collaborative Practice of East Bay, 2012-2018
Publications
"Improving Relationships," Blog, www.robertterris.com
“Can We Be Lawyers and Touchy-Feely Too?" Alameda County Bar Association Newsletter, March 27, 2012
"Keeping Mediation on Course,” The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals, June 25, 2007 (with Nancy Neal Yeend)
"Taking the Fight Out of Mediation," The Los Angeles and San Francisco Daily Journals, March 14, 2007
“A Case Study of Third World Jurisprudence: Palestine – Conflict Resolution and Customary Law in a Neopatrimonial Society” 20 Berkeley Journal of International Law 2 (2002) (with Vera Inoue-Terris)