The main goal of the Collaborative Divorce Coach in the Collaborative Divorce Process is to move the client from Point A to Point Z in the quickest, most efficient way both financially and emotionally, always keeping in mind that the best interest of all parties, especially minor children, is served.
The Collaborative Divorce Coach must be a licensed mental health professional that is trained in the Interdisciplinary Collaborative Divorce Process. It is important to know that the Collaborative Divorce Coach does not act as a psychotherapist and can never provide therapy services to this Collaborative Divorce client. Because licensing is necessary, the same confidentiality requirements apply, except that the Collaborative Divorce client signs a waiver to permit the free exchange of information among all the Collaborative Divorce Team members in order to facilitate the process.
Each spouse will have his or her own Collaborative Divorce Coach. If there are minor children, a Child Specialist (see below) will help formulate a custody and co-parenting plan.
The Collaborative Divorce Coach will provide short and long term education including stress and anger management techniques, communication, conflict resolution, and self-management skills, grief and loss work, as well as emotional support and guidance through the divorce process. The Coach may suggest referrals to any collateral professionals such as a vocational consultant if needed. The Coach will facilitate communication between the clients and all Collaborative Divorce team members, work to reduce misunderstandings between all parties, assist in solving problems and finding suitable detours for unexpected roadblocks that might arise.
The Collaborative Divorce Coach offers assistance in identifying and prioritizing the concerns of each individual, setting short and long term goals, and minimizing the distressing feelings that often arise during the divorce process. The Coach will emphasize that the clients themselves are in charge of defining their post-divorce future. The Collaborative Divorce Coach will support the clients in defining and implementing a plan that is fair and equitable for all parties.
Should the Collaborative Divorce process end prematurely with the clients deciding to pursue litigation, the Collaborative Divorce Agreement requires the immediate disqualification of the Collaborative Divorce Coach and that no information will be provided to the court. In addition, the Collaborative Divorce Coach will not be available to either party as a coach or a therapist in the future.