Ending a marriage is never easy and is often a long, difficult, and painful experience that affects every member of the family. Whether you are currently proceeding with a divorce or are exploring the choices available to you, working with a professional divorce coach/mediator will provide the support and guidance to help you effectively manage the conflict and emotional challenges presented throughout the divorce process.
Acting both as a sounding board and a resource for effective processing and adjustment, the coach or mediator helps the client to approach issues and face changes with a balanced, informed perspective. Coaching and mediation encourage a pro-active role that enables clients to take control of their circumstances and successfully transition through divorce.
How will coaching and mediation help me?
Your coach or mediator will work with you to:
Minimize stress and emotional upheaval
Determine your expectations and goals for the divorce process
Make informed decisions that will provide the best outcome for you and your family
Facilitate effective communication to spouses and attorneys regarding expectations and concerns
Foster strategies that will enable you to understand and effectively complete the divorce transition process
Develop co-parenting plans and agreements where children are involved
What is the difference between a divorce coach and a mediator?
The goal of both coaches and mediators is to facilitate a mutually successful conclusion to the divorce process for their clients. However, the role for each is different.
A divorce coach acts as an advocate and guide for one party, providing the support and guidance aimed at facilitating agreement between both spouses. The role of a divorce coach is to provide support, empathy and understanding for the emotional upheaval associated with divorce. The divorce coach is not a therapist or “shrink”. Coaching is focused on divorce-related issues faced in the here and now and does not probe into the psychological or emotional past of the client. A coach who is a licensed professional trained in family systems is particularly qualified to assist the client in identifying challenges and managing them in the best way possible. Divorce coaching is beneficial in both collaborative divorce and traditional litigated dissolutions.
A mediator serves as a neutral party and works with both spouses and their attorney(s) to help them reach a mutually agreeable settlement. Mediation focuses on maintaining clear communication between spouses and is an excellent option for couples that are willing to work together cooperatively.
Can coaching or mediation help with post-divorce issues?
Life after divorce can be troubling and uncertain. Post-divorce coaching and mediation are an excellent means to facilitate the ongoing adjustments, interactions, and agreements encountered after the marriage has ended.