The Benefits of Using Mental Health Professionals in a Collaborative Divorce

September 19th, 2024
Posted By
Sarah M. Litowich
Hands holding paper head, human brain with flowers- mental health and collaborative divorce concept
Mental health professionals can play a crucial role in the collaborative divorce process. They can assist spouses with navigating the emotional challenges of divorce and help them find ways to cope with the stress that often comes with going through the process of ending a marriage. Whether your divorce is amicable or contentious, having a collaborative divorce mental health professional on your team can keep your case on track and allow you to focus on the issues that really matter.

What Types of Mental Health Professionals are Used in Collaborative Divorce?

Divorce proceedings can be emotionally complex. However, utilizing the collaborative divorce process — and having a mental health professional on your team — can make all the difference to the outcome of your case. There are a variety of mental health professionals who can help make the process easier by reducing conflict and facilitating effective communication between you and your spouse. Depending on the issues in your case, the following types of collaborative divorce mental health professionals may be used:
  • Divorce coach — In a collaborative divorce, a divorce coach can offer practical assistance by facilitating communication, collecting financial documents, and making referrals to other professionals. They can also serve a crucial role by helping the parties understand their priorities as they work through the overwhelming emotions of divorce.
  • Collaborative child specialist — Collaborative child specialists work with parents and children through the divorce process so that they can move forward. These professionals meet with both the children and the parents to learn about the family’s needs. They help parents understand their child’s concerns and assist with creating a structure for co-parenting.
  • Child development specialist — Child development specialists are trained mental health professionals who help parents create strategies to meet their needs and create a healthy environment in which they can thrive. They work with families to make the transition to post-divorce life easier for the children and guide them through developmental challenges.
  • Psychologist — A psychologist can assist the parties with developing healthy coping strategies and dealing with the complex feelings that come with divorce. They can also help the parties plan for the future and reach an agreement that promotes a healthy post-divorce adjustment for themselves and their children.
  • Social worker — A social worker can provide input and guidance on reaching creative solutions that will benefit the spouses and their children. In addition to counseling the spouses, they can also assist with creating a parenting plan that will be in the best interests of the children.
Importantly, even if your team includes a mental health professional, you should still seek the emotional support and therapy you may need as you go through the legal process. While the collaborative divorce mental health professional can provide you with tools for effective communication and help you reach a settlement, a therapist can work with you one-on-one to improve your emotional state as you heal.

How Can Mental Health Professionals Help in the Collaborative Divorce Process?

The collaborative divorce process is meant to empower you and your spouse to make decisions that you are satisfied with in your case. While spouses must work together to achieve their desired results concerning alimony, child custody, child support, property division, and other issues, mental health professionals can offer support and encourage positive communication as you work toward a resolution. They can also help you understand your feelings and focus on the importance of cooperation. Significantly, collaborative divorce mental health professionals are trained to work with spouses who are experiencing difficult or traumatic feelings. They can provide critical assistance in settlement negotiations by working with the attorneys to identify any emotional impediments to a resolution. Not only can a mental health professional explain how these feelings are blocking the parties from making progress in the case, but they can also suggest an alternative framework. Mental health professionals can be particularly helpful in cases involving a spouse who has a high-conflict personality. Additionally, when it comes to cases involving domestic violence, substance abuse, coercive control, or other problematic behaviors, a mental health professional will be able to identify and evaluate them. They can work with the collaborative team to provide suggestions for how these issues should be addressed so they do not hinder reaching a fair settlement.

Learn More About the Benefits of Using a Collaborative Divorce Mental Health Professional

If you are considering divorce, the collaborative process can offer many benefits. A knowledgeable collaborative divorce attorney can answer your questions and explain your options. Litowich Law is committed to helping clients divorce amicably and peacefully using collaborative divorce and mediation. We are also skilled advocates in the courtroom in the event litigation is necessary.

Contact an Experienced Oregon Child Custody Attorney

Based in Salem, Litowich Law assists clients with their divorce matters throughout the State of Oregon, including those involving collaborative divorce. We encourage you to contact us for a consultation to learn how we can help.
Categories: Divorce