Anyone going through separation or divorce can benefit from Counselling or Coaching.  Given the chance, most couples want to be able to walk away with their dignity intact and an appreciation of the purpose of their time together, regardless of the circumstances which led to the separation. While the support of family and friends is crucial, it can be difficult for them to remain objective as they come to terms with their own feelings and the changing dynamics in their relationship circle.

You will receive one or more of the following...

	An understanding of the emotional impact of separation and help to process those emotions to prevent any further pain to yourself or others.
	A safe space to communicate with your former spouse and elicit the cooperation necessary for an amicable settlement of your affairs.*
	Awareness of the affect of separation on your children, how to prepare them for the changes taking place and respond to any concerns they or you may have.
Helping parents to address their feelings about their children, so they can be more available to them, is an integral part of the healing process for the whole family.
	Non-judgemental assistance to identify, and take ownership for, your part in the separation, for the benefit of your relationship with yourself and others.
It is this acceptance of responsibility, rather than blame or shame, which allows people to face their loss and begin to separate in a healthy manner.
	Clarity about your future and assistance to rebuild your life, one step at a time.
	Redefining your role/s with your children and/or former partner moving forward.
	Healing of personal issues which contributed to, or surface during, the separation.
	Assistance to re-partner in a healthy manner.
	*	Legal and financial matters need to be addressed by the relevant professionals. My intent is to facilitate the flow of effective communication and help you to be emotionally available to cooperate with and profit from our combined expertise. Where possible, we will work together as a team for the benefit of all parties.
For information about Collaborative Divorce go to www.collaborativepractice.com or www.qldcollablaw.com.au

This depends on the timing and circumstances of the separation. If, during the process of Relationship Counselling, a couple comes to the point of separation then, with their permission, the process will continue, to achieve the best results for all involved.

If the entry point is post separation, I may work with only one person, especially where a power imbalance has been a major factor in the demise of the relationship. Our attention will be on restoring in the client a connection with their personal power.

When appropriate, I will work with both parties as the ‘Family Coach’, preferably as part of an Interdisciplinary Team, * to help minimise the overall costs of divorce and make the need to go to court redundant.

My first priority is to empower parents to respond to the emotional needs of their children and be clear about what is in their best interests. I can assist you to prepare a Parenting Plan to meet your children’s immediate needs and begin to organise your thoughts around their future parenting priorities.

I may also work with the children and family or refer you to Child Specialists. At all times, we draw on the strengths of the family unit and honour the traditions already in place to give children stability amid the changes inherent in any separation.

Ultimately, the earlier the involvement of the Divorce or Family Coach, and the greater your commitment to a peaceful resolution, the better the outcome for all.

The key ingredient in the success of our work together is the constructive participation and readiness of you, the client, as you work through the stages of grief. Other things which make a difference are …

	Attention to your physical, financial, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
	A willingness to try something new and to ask for help when necessary.
	Patience, compassion, and respect for yourself, your family, and the professionals you have assigned to help you.

To achieve a dignified divorce means working with your former partner at the same
time as letting them go. This requires a great deal of maturity, cooperation, and trust. Sometimes, it’s a matter of ‘fake it ‘til you make it’ and
keeping your eye on the big picture.
Clearly it’s not for everyone!

However, by establishing a coaching relationship early on, whenever you need support along the way, you know you have a committed partner to whom you can return.

For further details or to book an appointment for Separation and Divorce Coaching, CONTACT Diane.

READ MORE of Stephen & Debbie’s, or Kathryn’s stories or READ MORE about Divorce Coaching and Information for Family Law Professionals