What is a Collaborative Divorce Coach?
In Collaborative Divorce, the Divorce Coach is a licensed mental health professional who is the communications specialist. Each party has a coach who helps you recognize and deal with emotions that naturally arise going through a separation and divorce. Normal feelings can include anger, sadness, anxiety, fear, grief and sometimes relief. Meeting with the collaborative team and your spouse, whether in person or by ZOOM, can be challenging when difficult emotions bubble to the surface. The Divorce Coaches are proactive in keeping the couple and the collaborative team focused on constructive problem solving. The coaching process is structured in a way that makes using a Divorce Coach efficient and cost-effective.
What does a Collaborative Divorce Coach do?
As your Collaborative Divorce Coach, I am dedicated to providing emotional support from the start of the process until the end. You will fill out a Marital History Questionnaire which we review together in our first meeting. I want to know what your marriage was like and what has brought you to the point of divorce. How did each of you handle differences and disagreements during your marriage? Did one person get angry while the other withdrew? Can you envision being in a meeting with your partner without getting upset? Do you have hopes and dreams for your future? Are there certain values that you want incorporated into a final divorce settlement?
How will a Collaborative Divorce Coach help me?
At the first meeting with the attorneys and coaches present, you will receive a Collaborative Guidebook that outlines the process and how to prepare for meetings. Talking about where you will live or your parenting concerns can bring up intense feelings. Financial worries in the present and future can take an emotional toll on your well-being. As part of this process, you will learn positive coping strategies to deal with discussions that may trigger a strong, negative reaction. You will also learn how to present feelings in a constructive rather than blaming way so that you are taken seriously. Learning to communicate in a clear, respectful and businesslike manner can move the case more quickly toward resolution. As your coach, I am in your corner. Our interactions will be structured to build up your confidence, competence and resilience. We partner together so that you, with the help of the entire team, can develop an agreement that you and your spouse can live with.
