Whether planning for a commitment or wedding, negotiating a separation
or divorce, or preparing to send a child off to college, changes in the
family structure can be stressful.
I work with families to help them make
intentional decisions and learn new skills to help make these
transitions easier and more meaningful for everyone.
Mediation and therapy work together
Mediation is a structured process that helps people make clear agreements about specific things. Often, people seek mediation when going through a divorce, as an alternative to having lawyers battle things out. However, mediation can also be very constructive before marrying or making a relationship commitment, when negotiating responsibilities for children, or when going into business.
Therapy is a process of exploring hopes and plans and understanding the barriers that keep people, groups, or families from reaching those ideals. It is much more focused on the emotions behind actions and working with communication processes to help them be more satisfying or at least bearable for all involved.
Therapy and mediation are a great combination for families or couples going through a transition time. Mediation helps people get clear about what they want to have happen and therapy helps them follow through.
When therapy can help
Staying together
All families go through crises. Once the dust settles and you have decided not to split up, it can feel like therapy is not necessary. However, this can be a time that is rich in possibilities for growth and development and strengthening the bonds that have been strained by crisis, but held.
Splitting up
Even a breakup can be done with intention, compassion, and good humor. Especially when children are involved, it can be a great advantage to develop a common understanding and improved ways of communicating.
Change can be good
Divorce
While divorce is often a huge
loss, it can also be a positive transition for a couple. When both
people are ready, I can work with them to find a place that honors the
life that has been shared and makes space for supportive ongoing
connection.
New or Renewed Commitment
Taking steps to make your relationship more "official" or to re-shape a
long-standing partnership can be a time of anxiety. It can also be a
time of excitement and possibility. I work with couples and families to
explore and take steps toward their hopes and dreams.
Dove's Latest
Dove was interviewed on Thinking Forward's Back to School Expert Series. Listen now!
Dove was quoted on Grandparents.com in an article about being a good Grandparent.
Dove has schedule availability for in-home services to expecting and new parents.
Dove has partnered with Artful Mediation http://www.artfulmediation.org to collaborate in providing comprehensive services to families in transition.
First ever exhibit of Survivors' Truths: Trying to be all right in Liberia closes in Los Feliz. For more information, go to the Survivors' Truths website.
