My interest and passion has always been in child development, family relationships and communications. As a young child, I learned that my father’s parents divorced and my grandmother died before I was born. I had a very loving relationship with my “step” grandmother yet heard how difficult this family history was for my father. As […]
Protecting Teenagers of Divorce as they Transition from Child to Adult
It is graduation season and many teens are graduating from high school and becoming adults. It can be a difficult time saying goodbye to family and friends, transitioning to college, new living arrangements, and possibly moving to a new geographic area. For those children of divorced parents, it can be particularly hard, especially if those […]
The Importance of Doing the Emotional Work of Divorce Early On
While it is important to have a legal consultation with an attorney when separation and divorce is being contemplated, it is just as valuable for both parties to work with counselors to attend to their emotions. It is sensible to work with an attorney to assess the status quo regarding fairness and safety and make […]
CO-MEDIATION: Consider the Option
What is Mediation? “Mediation is a dynamic, structured, interactive process where a neutral third party assists disputing parties in resolving conflict through the use of specialized communication and negotiation techniques. All participants in mediation are encouraged to actively participate in the process. Mediation is a “party-centered” process in that it is focused primarily upon the […]
Mediation and How it Can Assist in Building Communication for the Future
Mediation is designed to enable clients to feel they have a safe space (physically and emotionally) to work through issues pertaining to their relationship. It can be a dispute resolution “home” for the clients where rapport is established between the clients and the Mediator. The goal for Mediation is not reconciliation (although on occasion, this […]
Dating Considerations Pending a Separation or Divorce
It is not uncommon for people to want to date while separated or pending divorce. Many are ready to move forward with their lives. For some, it has been a long time since they have experienced intimacy with another. They may socialize in a group and meet someone, or feel the desire to post […]
Does Divorce Have to Negatively Impact the Holidays?
Once December arrives, many of my divorce clients want to reach their settlement agreement and/or be divorced before the holiday break begins. Holidays can be emotional for some and, when added with the stress of working through a divorce, the work with professionals can be counter-productive. The added stress may make it harder to reach […]
How to Talk About Divorce with Extended Family and Friends in a Positive Way
Most people know someone who has experienced separation and divorce. In the past, divorces were rarely amicable and often were the opposite adversarial and polarizing. Many times, extended family and friends took sides and cut off communications with the other spouse. Family and friends would often fuel the fire by telling stories of divorces. They […]
Discernment Counseling: An Opportunity to Gain Clarity While Making Decisions About the Marriage
The decision to divorce is difficult to make and it can be quite painful. Due to the importance of this decision, it can take someone who is considering divorce a long time to have a discussion with his or her spouse. There may be an acknowledgement that the relationship is in trouble or that one […]
The Importance of Holiday Traditions – Even When Parents Divorce
The leaves are starting to fall in Arlington, Virginia, as I sit to write this article. The days are getting shorter and the weather a bit crisp. The fall and winter holidays are fast approaching. For me, this conjures up memories of family traditions as a child growing up. I always enjoyed trick or treating […]