Divorcist

What’s the difference between a divorce coach and a therapist?

Dear Divorcist: I’m thinking about ending my 7 year marriage. My family and friends are all very well meaning but each has a different opinion. Do I need a divorce coach? A therapist? Both? What’s the difference?
Thanks!
Confused in Connecticut
Dear CC,
We’ve gotten this question a LOT! Luckily our friend, divorce coach Jennifer Warren Medwin, can help! She has a book called Strategies and Tips from a Divorce Coach: A Roadmap to Move Forward. Here’s what she has to say about deciding between a coach or a therapist.
Hello Confused,

Many individuals contemplating divorce feel overwhelmed and stuck. During this time of transition, it is beneficial to have professional help supporting you through the dissolution of your marriage. There is confusion about Divorce Coaching and how it differs from therapy. 

Cover of Divorce Coach Book
Jennifer’s book can be found on Amazon and her website.

Divorce coach or therapist?

It is a therapist’s job to help people identify and resolve difficulties stemming from their past. Therapists use a process-oriented approach to help identify patterns of thought and behavior that hold individuals back. They encourage people to work towards emotional resolutions to past problems. The main focus is on feelings within a framework of psychological and emotional issues.

Therapy assumes patients need healing and seeks to provide a path. It helps to identify the personal challenges people are feeling as a result of divorce and will help to explore what past experiences created these issues.

Why choose a divorce coach

The goal of a Divorce Coach is to walk clients through the practicalities of divorce and propel them into the next steps necessary to move in the direction of their desired outcomes. Coaching is goal-oriented and future focused. The focal point is on present actions and desires. The process seeks to identify needs and interests in relation to how to move forward while building on client strengths.

Divorce Coaches are trained and understand the business and emotional side of divorce and how to educate their clients to be aware of what to expect along the way. The goal is to guide clients through the practical steps of the dissolution of a marriage efficiently and with the least amount of emotional interference in their decision-making.

How do I find a divorce coach?

I’m always happy to help give advice and direction. Reach out to me via email at: Jen@seekingempowerment.com or check out my website for more information. Otherwise, a Google search is a good place to start, as is asking for recommendations from friends and family. Be sure to check out reviews to make the most informed decision possible. I wish you the best of luck, CC. We’re all rooting for you on this journey.

–Jennifer

About the Coach

Jennifer Warren Medwin, MS is a CDC Certified Divorce Coach, Supreme Court of Florida Family Mediator, and a Certified Marital Mediator.

Jennifer Warren Medwin
Jennifer Warren Medwin partners with clients to develop the clarity, confidence, courage, conflict management strategies, and communication skills they need in order to move through the process.

Her private practice in Pinecrest, Miami is called Seeking Empowerment: Clarity through Partnership. Jennifer specializes in working alongside individuals and couples who are contemplating divorce and are fearful of high conflict and with those who hope to save their marriages. She partners with clients to develop the clarity, confidence, courage, conflict management strategies, and communication skills they need to move through the process. Jennifer uses her knowledge of coaching and mediation to help her clients emotionally prepare for the dissolution of their marriages or the reconciliation of their relationships in the most organized, time efficient, and productive manner.

Jennifer is a member of the National Association of Divorce Professionals (NADP), a member of the SupportPay Advisory Council, and a contributing writer for Your Tango, Thrive Global, and OurFamilyWizard. She is also the author of Strategies & Tips from a Divorce Coach: A Roadmap to Move Forward. Jennifer’s approach to divorce coaching and mediation is one that provides clients with guidance and compassion through a difficult time in their lives.

Follow her on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn: @jenseekingempowerment