To provide an overview of how I might be of assistance to you, I have developed three compilation stories of some types of work I have done. As an example, ‘Jessica’ may be three or four people whose circumstances I have mashed together to provide the best example of how a situation might develop.

My goal is to hope you find yourself somewhere on this page and will make the decision to reach out for help.

Jessica’s Story – When cheating hits you in the face…

“I’d suspected he was cheating for a while… the constant fighting, the unexplained calls, and credit card charges. My worst fears were about to come true. He wants out, and he wants the kids… He makes a decision… and now my life and my kids’ lives are forever changed.”

When I called Susan, I was distraught, overwhelmed, and feeling like my life, as I knew it, was over. I quickly realized that counseling with Susan was what I needed to keep my sanity, figure out my next steps, and take care of myself so I could take care of my kids.

We met weekly, and she supported me through the many changes… telling the kids, finding a new place to live, dealing with our couple friends… even helping me advocate for my kids and to be firm with my lawyer. She always had something practical and useful for me to try and do.

I learned that I was an awesome Mom and now had the chance to be so without my ex sucking the energy out of me! With her sense of humor, Susan helped me see my strengths and how many choices I had. Soon I was back in charge of my life, my new normal of getting back my self-respect and taking charge… now making lemonade… and maybe some lemon drop martini’s from the lemons I had been dealt.

I’ve learned to respect my ex’s role as my children’s father and see him as their Dad, not my ex. My kids have a resilient and confident Mom as their role model. I truly do love them more than I hate my ex!”

Dave’s dilemma – Stay together for the kids?

“Our marriage had not been good for a long time. We were bringing out the worst in each other, and I knew something had to change.

I could not help but feel that I was trading my kids’ childhood for my own happiness. Half of my money and a lot of time with my kids would be the price I’d have to pay. Men never get the kids.

I was so conflicted… feeling guilty as their Dad but also knowing deep down that I was miserable and staying together for the kids would not be good for any of us… even their mother.

My attorney recommended Susan… knowing I wasn’t much of a therapy guy. Susan gave me permission to take steps and begin to be happy again.

We were scheduled for mediation and an SENE. This was stressing me out, since I didn’t want to blow it! Susan’s style was exactly what I needed. She helped me to identify my strengths as a dad and effectively communicate my desire to continue to be an important part of my kids’ lives. She reminded me that it wasn’t just my right, but my responsibility to be there for my kids.

I was reminded about viewing my ex-wife as my children’s mother. Susan pointed out that if I could have a respectful co-parenting relationship with their Mom, my kids would be better off.

Because I was able to wear my Dad hat, we came to a nice settlement where I see my kids half the time. We plan and look forward to our time together. I’m a much better Dad now! And I think Mom is a better Mom now, too!”

Nina’s Story of Emotional Abuse

“I had been in a long-standing abusive marriage… some domestic violence but mostly emotionally abusive. I was willing to stay with my husband for the kids… until he started being critical and abusive to our tween daughter. That’s when I knew I had to get out.

I was terrified… my husband always threatened to take me down if I ever left. I’d threatened to leave so many times, but this was the last straw. When I selected my attorney, she knew of the situation but also seemed to be belittling and controlling… I felt weak and powerless to leave… to protect my girls or to get my husband out without paying the price.

Mediation failed, so we had to go through a custody evaluation. Midway through this I found Susan. She saved my life.

I was an anxious mess and did not present well during the early stages of my evaluation. With Susan’s coaching, she helped me to stand up to my attorney, advocate for my girls, showcase my parenting experience and skills, and be child-focused while recovering from a traumatic relationship. Even the evaluator noticed the difference!

The evaluator was able to understand what had happened to our family and make good recommendations. The result was that I was able to protect my girls, get their father the help he needed, and feel confident to be back in charge of raising my girls.

Let me help you through the challenging divorce experience.

Call me at (952) 746-7894 or complete the contact form below to set up a free 30-minute phone consultation to see if I might be of help to you. If we are a good fit, we can schedule your first session. If we aren’t, I can provide other suggestions and resources.