What is Divorce Coaching and is It Right for Me?

The vast majority of people go into marriage with an idea of what their life will look like after they tie the note. When a marriage ends in divorce, however, it can be difficult to imagine what life will look like and how to move forward. Oftentimes, the help of a divorce coach can be beneficial for divorcing individuals to begin the process of thinking about what they want their life to look like, and how the terms of their divorce can move them towards that vision.

The first question that is often asked is, what is divorce coaching? Put simply, divorce coaching is focused on helping a person to determine what they would like their life to look like after the divorce process is over and how to move through the divorce so that they are more likely to achieve that vision. Unlike therapy, which is often focused on understanding and changing emotional and behavioral patterns that began in the past in order to improve problems in the present, divorce coaching is more focused on the future and not necessarily “fixing” things.

At times, there may be some overlap or gray areas between the two, but in divorce coaching, there is no diagnosis of psychiatric/psychological conditions and no treatment of those types of issues. If a person going through a divorce is dealing with issues like anxiety, depression, or substance abuse, therapy is the better option. But for the individual who is relatively well-adjusted (given the circumstances) and is seeking to understand what they want going forward and how to approach issues such as property division and parenting in a way that leads to a positive outcome for them, divorce coaching might be the better option.

Divorce coaches are used in the collaborative divorce process in order to help both parties clarify what are the things that are important to them and to help them work towards more of a win/win situation.

So what can a divorce coach do for you, if you find yourself facing a divorce? First, a divorce coach can provide support as a third-party professional, in a way that well-meaning friends and family simply aren’t equipped to. A divorce coach can help you explore realistic options and connect you with community resources. He or she can also better understand what is important to you, for your future and your wellbeing, in order to provide clarity on what you want to have happen during the divorce. This can lead to lower levels of conflict and better ability to communicate.

While divorce coaching is not generally covered by health insurance, divorcing couples that use divorce coaches tend to resolve differences more easily, saving attorneys fees. In addition, they tend to feel less emotional stress and more supported through the process, leading to better functioning at the end of the divorce.

Do you think that you might benefit from a divorce coach? Reach out to Horizon Psychological Services to make an appointment today to begin the process of working with one.