Howard Irving

Dr. Howard Irving (born July 4, 1936 in Providence, Rhode Island) is widely recognized as one of the world's leading experts in family mediation and family therapy. With over 35 years experience as a practicing therapist and family mediator, Dr. Irving has received referrals from judges, lawyers and governmental organizations to conduct therapy and mediation. Dr. Irving has also been called on by numerous agencies to develop mediation services and programs, and is a founding member and past president of Family Mediation Canada.

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Dr. Irving is considered to be a pioneer in developing models of Therapeutic Family Mediation, and is the author of Therapeutic Family Mediation, a comprehensive book in this area of practice. He is also the author of over 100 articles and 6 texts on family mediation, including such topics as parenting agreements, mobility rights, the effects of divorce on children and parents and research studies regarding the evaluation of social and legal policy on dispute resolution programs.

Academic and Professional Background

In addition to his private practice, Dr. Irving is a professor emeritus at the University of Toronto, Faculty of Social Work and cross-appointed to the Faculty of Law. He received his formal education at the University of Rhode Island, the University of Connecticut and the University of Toronto, where he received his Ph.D.

Dr. Irving has received numerous awards of merit for his teaching and research from the University of Toronto, Family Mediation Canada, The Academy of Family Mediators, and the Hong Kong University. He has also developed an international reputation delivering courses and speeches in the United States, Hong Kong, Singapore, Beijing, United Kingdom, Israel and has consulted with Chinese agencies in promoting mediation throughout China. He has also presented seminars through the Canadian Bar Association, and for Canadian and American judges regarding family mediation.