Dear readers, from my many years of doing divorce resolution I have come to realize the great value for a divorcing party to use a Divorce Coach. Read what Gaylen, among the best, has to say about this added value service. Anthony C. Adamopoulos, Divorce Mediator, Collaborative Divorce.
GUEST BLOG:
A Divorce Coach—Your Partner in Navigating Divorce
By Guest Blogger: Gaylen Cragin, CDC Certified Divorce Coach®
Divorce is one of the most significant life changes a person can experience. It often brings a wide range of emotions and challenges. It can be difficult to understand the process, make informed decisions, and organize the necessary steps to move forward. During such a difficult time, many people find it beneficial to have a divorce coach, to help them navigate the divorce process.
According to The American Bar Association (ABA), a professional organization for lawyers and legal professionals in the United States, Divorce Coaching is widely regarded as a “valuable source of divorce help”. As a result, an increasing number of people are actively seeking the support of a divorce coach to help them manage the complex aspects of the divorce process. Is it right for you?
What is a Divorce Coach?
When searching for a divorce coach, it’s crucial to choose a coach who is certified, since this ensures they have the necessary training and expertise. A certified divorce coach is a skilled professional who supports, motivates and guides people through the divorce process by helping them manage emotions, understand the process, set goals and take action. Coaches work with clients at various stages of the process—whether someone is contemplating divorce, starting divorce, in the midst of divorce or already divorced.
How Can a Divorce Coach Benefit You?
Every divorce has unique challenges, concerns and priorities. A certified divorce coach will meet you where you are and create a tailored experience that is directly tied to your needs. Coaches actively listen and ask clarifying questions to gain a deep understanding of your situation, values, and motivations.
A certified divorce coach will assist you with the following:
- Understanding the Process & Strategic Planning: Coaches provide education on various aspects of divorce, including different types of divorces, divorce options, how to find and meet with an attorney or mediator, child custody arrangements (or parenting plans), and financial considerations. They help you grasp these important topics so you can effectively plan and make decisions. While divorce coaches provide valuable support, they cannot offer legal advice.
- Decision-Making & Empowerment: Coaches empower you to confidently make thoughtful and informed decisions; while helping you understand the potential outcomes of your decisions.
- Emotional Support: Coaches help you embrace and process the many emotions that arise when ending a marriage and starting a new life. They also encourage healthy ways to manage grief, stress, and anxiety. Divorce coaches are not licensed therapists and cannot provide mental health treatment.
- Communication Skills: Effective communication and peaceful conflict resolution will help you avoid or minimize conflicts and reach agreements that benefit both you and your children. A coach will help you best communicate with your current or former partner, your children and even your attorney and/or mediator.
- Co-parenting or Parallel Parenting: Collaborating with the other parent may seem manageable in theory, but it can become more challenging in practice. A coach can help you with best practices for parenting, based on you situation. A coach will help you understand and “live” your parenting plan and guide you in any communication with the other parent about children’s needs.
- Building a New Life: Divorce involves many transitions, and a coach can provide valuable support throughout each stage. This includes helping you create a thoughtful “script” to communicate with children, family, and friends about your situation. They assist in helping you build a positive support network, redefine self-identity, and explore new meanings and purposes in life.
Understanding the legal considerations, emotional impacts, and implications for children can help with a smoother divorce experience. Whether you’re contemplating divorce, currently navigating the process, or have already finalized your separation, a certified divorce coach can be an invaluable resource. When choosing a coach, look for someone who is experienced, qualified, and compassionate.
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Gaylen Cragin is a CDC Certified Divorce Coach®. With her own experiences with divorce, she can empathize personally and professionally. She’s fueled by her passion for helping people, just like you.
Connect with Gaylen at Cragin Coaching: www.cragincoaching.com or (978) 225-3312 [text/call].
