What is the Mental Health Professional Role in Collaborative Divorce?
By Dr. James E. Walton, Ph.D.
When facing the complexities of divorce, emotional support is often overlooked. Collaborative divorce offers a more amicable alternative to the adversarial nature of court-litigated divorces, focusing on cooperation, understanding and emotional wellbeing.
In a collaborative divorce, a mental health child life specialist, along with a divorce coach professional, plays a vital role in creating an emotionally supportive environment for both the parents and children. They help the family improve communication, navigate emotional challenges, and develop fair co-parenting plans that prioritize the well-being of everyone involved, including children.
The presence of a mental health professional in collaborative divorce ensures that emotional needs are not neglected during the legal and financial discussions. Divorce can trigger a range of emotions, from sadness and anger to anxiety and uncertainty. These feelings can be overwhelming, leading to communication breakdowns and escalated conflicts.
Couples gain valuable tools to manage these emotions effectively by working with a mental health professional. The professional provides a safe space for each person to express their feelings, facilitate productive discussions and reduce tension. This emotional support is crucial for reaching a mutually beneficial agreement and maintaining a respectful relationship moving forward long after the divorce is finalized.
Collaborative divorce stands out as a holistic approach that prioritizes legal and financial aspects and emotional well-being of the family, including the children. The collaborative team, including mental health professionals, divorce coaches and child-life specialist works collaboratively to ensure that all aspects of the divorce process are handled with care and empathy, emphasizing keeping the family unit intact.
Choosing collaborative divorce with the support of mental health professionals can lead to a smoother transition and a healthier post-divorce future for everyone involved.
When you utilize the Los Angeles Collaborative Family Law Association experts, you can rest easier because you will know that when your divorce is finalized, each party involved, including your children, will be ready to face the future confidently.
Contact LACFLA today if you would like to learn more about how our members at can help you and your family through your divorce.
Note: This information is general in nature and should not be construed as legal, financial or mental health advice. You should work with your attorney, financial, or mental health professional to determine what will work best for your situation.