"Well, I want to do something that could help the ordinary person. I never wanted to get into law to work for a big corporation. Helping people is what I care about." - Jeffrey Peltz Jeffrey Peltz, a seasoned Brooklyn-based attorney with nearly four decades of experience, seeks to change the narrative surrounding bankruptcy by emphasizing its role as a strategic financial tool rather than a moral failing. With a compassionate approach that prioritizes clients' needs over corporate interests, Peltz argues that bankruptcy should be seen as a business decision, not a source of shame. He highlights the common misconception that bankruptcy should be avoided at all costs, noting that this belief often leads individuals to make damaging financial choices, such as depleting retirement funds or falling for scams. By offering personalized guidance and treating clients like family, Peltz strives to demystify the bankruptcy process, helping individuals understand that it can offer a fresh start, particularly in the context of divorce and other financial challenges. Key Takeaways ->Viewing bankruptcy as a business decision rather than a source of shame is crucial for guiding clients through financial difficulties. ->Certain debts like spousal support, child support, student loans, taxes, parking tickets, penalties, and court charges are not dischargeable in bankruptcy. ->Bankruptcy can be a first step towards rebuilding credit, with FICO scores potentially increasing by an average of 100 points over a year. ->Common misconceptions about bankruptcy include the belief that it is a personal judgment or a black mark on one's character. ->Bankruptcy hearings are now conducted via Zoom due to COVID-19 restrictions, providing convenience for clients. Connect with Jeffrey Peltz: https://www.aaalawyer.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffreypeltz/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"If you don't know about the money, you don't have control over the money or access to the money." Ed Vargo, the founder of Burning River Advisory Group and Enlighten Her, is a fervent advocate for financial literacy, particularly focusing on empowering women. Inspired by his immigrant mother's struggles with financial independence, Ed has dedicated his career to providing compassionate financial guidance to help women achieve equality through financial strength. He emphasizes the significance of teaching financial literacy from a young age, advocating for parents to model positive financial behaviors for their children and encouraging open discussions about money within families. Vargo also highlights the impact of financial misunderstandings on relationships, especially during divorce, underscoring the importance of assembling a knowledgeable support team and fostering financial education to promote harmony and independence. Key Takeaways: ->Ed Vargo emphasizes teaching children about money management from a positive perspective and modeling good money behavior. ->Communication about money values and decisions is crucial in relationships to avoid disharmony and resentment. ->Open dialogue about money in relationships can prevent conflicts and build financial harmony. ->Educating oneself about family finances, especially during divorce, is essential to avoid being at a disadvantage. ->Enlighten Her offers resources like white papers on money myths and steps to take during divorce to empower women in managing their finances. ->Early intervention in divorce proceedings is crucial to avoid post-settlement regrets and make informed decisions. ->Enlighten Her aims to empower women to take control of their finances and make informed decisions, especially during major life events like divorce. Connect with Ed Vargo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joe-zweben-17676434a/ https://www.instagram.com/joezweben_/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

What are some unique challenges that mid-career professionals face during divorce? Jamie M. Lima is a renowned certified divorce financial analyst and certified financial planner who specializes in helping mid-career professionals navigate the financial complexities of divorce. As the founder of Allegiant Divorce Solutions and the creator of the Secure Split app, Lima draws on over 20 years of experience to guide clients through asset division and retirement planning, with a particular focus on managing complex workplace benefits like stock options and pension plans. He believes that financial planning is crucial during divorce proceedings, as it helps individuals avoid common pitfalls and make decisions that align with their long-term financial goals. By working closely with tax professionals and leveraging tools like the Divorce Toolkit, Lima empowers clients to prioritize their future and make informed financial decisions, ensuring a secure post-divorce financial future. Key Takeaways ->Involving financial professionals early in the divorce process is crucial for making informed decisions and planning accordingly. ->The Divorce Toolkit provides resources for understanding topics like dividing retirement accounts, tax impacts, alimony, child support, and budgeting calculators. ->Financial planning tools like the Divorce Toolkit help in streamlining financial planning for divorcing couples, attorneys, mediators, and certified divorce financial analysts. ->Financial planning expertise is essential in managing asset division, retirement planning, and tax implications during divorce. ->Mid-career professionals facing divorce may encounter complex financial challenges related to workplace benefits like stock options, pension plans, and tax implications. ->Alimony, or spousal support, aims to provide financial resources for the out spouse to adjust to single life, cover living expenses, and support individuals during the post-divorce transition period. Connect with Jamie M. Lima: https://allegiantds.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jamielima/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"Blended families are always a little bit tricky just because you don't have that standard. Everything to the spouse and then down to the kids. And that's just the end of it." - Laura Cowan Laura Cowan, a distinguished attorney and CPA, brings her expertise in estate planning to the forefront, particularly in navigating the intricate transitions that follow a divorce. Having founded her own law firm after a successful career as a CPA, Laura emphasizes the critical need to reassess beneficiary designations post-divorce, as these can override other estate planning documents. She advises individuals to carefully review and update life insurance and retirement accounts to ensure they align with their current wishes, highlighting the necessity of collaborating with a team of professionals—including estate lawyers and financial advisors—to develop a comprehensive plan. Laura's perspective encourages those experiencing divorce to view it as an opportunity for reinvention, urging them to thoughtfully consider their future personal and professional paths to foster growth and fulfillment in this new chapter of life. Key Takeaways: ->Revisiting beneficiary designations is crucial to protecting one's financial legacy after a divorce. ->Updating estate planning documents post-divorce is crucial to ensure that beneficiaries and fiduciaries accurately reflect the individual's current circumstances. ->Consulting with an estate planning attorney before finalizing a divorce settlement is crucial. ->Estate planning can provide individuals with a sense of control and stability following significant life transitions like divorce. ->The integrative nature of divorce affects various aspects of life including estate planning, financial planning, and parenting plans. ->Attorneys can create a more fulfilling and effective approach to practicing law by prioritizing client needs over traditional metrics of success. Connect with Laura Cowan, Esq: https://www.2hourlifestylelawyer.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/thelauracowan/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"You really want to know what your priorities are and then you want to know what your spouse's priorities are, because they might be different." - Melissa Murphy Pavone Melissa Murphy Pavone is a seasoned certified financial planner and divorce financial analyst, whose 18 years of experience in the field are deeply influenced by her personal experiences as a child of divorce. She founded Mindful Divorce Partners to guide clients through the intricate financial challenges of divorce with clarity and assurance. Melissa stresses the importance of proactive and holistic financial planning, focusing on understanding settlement options, tax implications, and the long-term effects of financial decisions, especially when children are involved. Her approach goes beyond mere numbers, helping clients design balanced and sustainable financial plans that align with their future goals and risk tolerance, while avoiding common pitfalls such as retaining the family home without considering its long-term financial impact. Key Takeaways: ->Working with a financial planner post-divorce is crucial for navigating the transition to saving for oneself, contributing to retirement, and bridging the financial gap left by alimony and child support. ->Understanding priorities in financial assets during divorce negotiations is key to ensuring a fair and balanced outcome, particularly when children are involved. ->Having a financial planner as a supportive ally can provide guidance tailored to risk tolerance and financial goals for a secure future post-divorce. ->Offering fee-for-service and assets under management advisory models allows financial advisors to tailor their services to best suit individual circumstances and goals, especially in divorce scenarios. ->Educating clients on the importance of having an emergency fund and considering tax implications is crucial in making informed decisions about the family residence in divorce settlements. Connect with Melissa Murphy Pavone: https://www.linkedin.com/in/melissamurphypavone/ https://mindfulfinancialpartners.com/about/ https://mindfulfinancialpartners.com/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"Depth psychology is a more spiritual approach, a psychospiritual approach to understanding yourself more deeply." - Deborah Lukovich Dr. Deborah Lukovich is a renowned depth psychologist who offers a unique perspective on navigating the complexities of divorce by delving into the unconscious mind. With a belief that up to 90% of our actions and decisions are influenced by hidden forces, she emphasizes the importance of uncovering these unconscious patterns and behaviors that shape relationships. Through her book "Your Soul is Talking, Are You Listening?" and her engaging podcast and blog, Dr. Lukovich provides valuable insights into the unseen dynamics and hidden agendas that often go unnoticed during the tumultuous process of divorce. By guiding individuals to explore the depths of their psyche, Lukovich aims to foster a deeper understanding of personal and relational dynamics, ultimately aiding clients in transforming their relationship patterns and preventing past experiences from dictating future connections. Key Takeaways: ->Depth Psychology focuses on uncovering hidden aspects of the unconscious mind to promote personal growth and transformation. ->Anger during divorce can be connected to past experiences and emotions, influencing individuals' reactions and behaviors. ->Dr. Lukovich shares her personal journey through divorce and highlights the importance of understanding the unconscious mind in life transitions. ->Relationship complexes involve patterns of thinking and behaving that impact interactions, hinder personal growth, and can lead to misunderstandings. ->Effective communication in relationships requires honesty, vulnerability, and creating a safe space for open dialogue. ->Unconscious fears and thoughts often hinder honest communication, emphasizing the importance of tools like 'Start with Hearts' to manage emotions and promote authenticity. Connect with Deborah Lukovich: https://www.deborahlukovich.com/ https://www.facebook.com/dlukovich https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborah-lukovich-phd-5322953/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/

"It will not get any easier if you're avoiding it. Now, don't think that in six months or a year the solution will be, in fact, it's going to get much harder." - Katya Sverdlov Katya Sverdlov is a distinguished attorney specializing in estate planning and elder law, with a robust background in finance as a chartered financial analyst. Driven by her own unsatisfactory experience with estate planning at a large law firm, she founded her own practice to ensure personalized client care and education. Sverdlov is passionate about empowering families to make informed decisions, emphasizing the critical importance of properly documenting estate planning wishes in writing, as verbal instructions or unsigned documents hold no legal weight. Her approach includes leveraging her financial expertise to help clients navigate complex family dynamics and asset considerations, highlighting strategies like irrevocable trusts for Medicaid planning, ensuring that her clients' wishes are legally binding and protected for the future. Key Takeaways: ->Proper documentation in estate planning is crucial to ensure individuals' wishes are legally binding and carried out as intended. ->Medicaid planning is essential for individuals with total assets of roughly 3 million and below to ensure coverage for long-term care. ->Irrevocable trusts allow individuals to protect assets, retain certain control, and potentially qualify for Medicaid coverage for long-term care expenses. ->Working with knowledgeable professionals is emphasized by Katya Sverdlov to properly execute and regularly update estate documents. ->Asset protection and ensuring desired outcomes for individuals and their families are key goals of estate planning. Connect with Katya: https://sverdlovlaw.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/katya-sverdlov-cfa-esq-3aab406/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"Kids have large antenna on their heads that you can't see, but they're always scanning for information, and that is information that is picked up very easily." - Lisa Herrick Dr. Lisa Herrick, a renowned family therapist and collaborative divorce coach, has nearly twenty years of experience guiding families in the Washington, D.C. area through the complex transition period of separation and divorce. She emphasizes that this transition varies greatly among individuals, depending on their resilience and specific circumstances, and underscores the importance of allowing adequate time for adjustment, adaptation, and recovery. Dr. Herrick advocates for honest and respectful communication between co-parents, particularly when introducing new partners to children, to minimize confusion and build trust. Drawing from personal experience, she highlights the intricate dynamics involved in shared family activities post-divorce, such as spending holidays together, and the necessity of preparing new partners for their roles within a blended family to foster a healthy and harmonious environment. Key Takeaways: ->The period of time required for individuals and families to adjust, adapt, and recover from separation and divorce is crucial. ->Nesting during divorce involves sharing living space, household responsibilities, and potential implications for future relationships. ->It is important to go slow when introducing children to new romantic partners after divorce. Lisa Herrick emphasizes the importance of preparing new partners for interactions with children and ex-spouses in blended families. ->Lisa and Katherine emphasize the benefits of waiting for the right moment to introduce shared holidays and dinners in a blended family. Connect with Lisa Herrick: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lisa-herrick-009a6128/ https://lisaherrick.com/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/

"The key is that it keeps the children stable. It keeps their routines consistent. There's a lot less upheaval and chaos for the children. It's a very child centered approach to separation and divorce." - Ann Gold Buscho Ann Gold Buscho, a licensed clinical psychologist, is renowned for her expertise in family dynamics surrounding divorce, with a particular emphasis on child-centered solutions. As the author of "The Parents Guide to Bird Nesting: A Child-Centered Solution to Co-Parenting During Separation and Divorce," she advocates for bird nesting as a strategy to mitigate the negative impacts of divorce on children by ensuring stability and consistency in their environment. Buscho underscores the importance of prioritizing children's welfare by setting aside personal conflicts and fostering effective co-parenting through open communication and collaboration. Her work offers practical tools and guidance to help parents navigate the complexities of bird nesting, including addressing financial and logistical considerations, to create a harmonious and supportive arrangement for their children. Key Takeaways: • Bird nesting is a child-centered approach to divorce that provides stability and consistency for children. • Financial and logistical considerations are crucial when implementing a bird nesting arrangement. • Short-term nesting can have a positive impact on children by offering a stable transition during separation. • Having clear agreements in place for nesting arrangements is essential for co-parenting success. • Establishing a clear budget and separate accounts for nesting expenses is crucial for financial stability. Connect with Ann Gold Buscho, Ph.D.: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ann-buscho-ph-d-4110437/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/

"I think whether someone wants to admit it or not, we have all been in that space multiple times in our life where we wonder who we want to be, who we should be, and who we are." - Jennifer Teplin Jennifer Teplin is a licensed clinical social worker and the founder of Manhattan Wellness, where she specializes in helping young professionals navigate significant life changes, including divorce. She advocates for personal transformation through challenging limiting patterns and embracing authenticity, believing that divorce, while difficult, is an opportunity for individuals to redefine themselves. Teplin's human-centered and collaborative approach is uniquely tailored to address the emotional complexities of divorce, providing a safe space for clients to explore and align with their true desires. By encouraging self-reflection and intentional decision-making, she empowers individuals to overcome societal expectations and build lives they genuinely love, viewing divorce as a pivotal moment for personal growth and new beginnings. Key Takeaways: ->Jennifer Teplin empowers clients to challenge limiting patterns, embrace authenticity, and create meaningful personal transformation. ->Divorce is now happening at younger ages as people are more willing to admit when they are unhappy in a relationship. ->Individuals need to envision a fulfilling life after divorce to have the motivation and courage needed for a new beginning. ->Fear of the unknown can cause individuals to prioritize familiarity over their own happiness in relationships. ->Negative emotions after a breakup can be a catalyst for personal growth and an opportunity for redirection. Connect with Jennifer Teplin: https://manhattanwellness.org/jennifer https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenniferteplin/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"People need to feel safe to be a part of a team. People need to feel safe to be able to contribute." - Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin is a distinguished relationship expert who dedicates his work to helping couples achieve breakthroughs, regardless of their backgrounds or beliefs. He champions the idea that conflicts within relationships are not merely obstacles but opportunities for healing and growth, transforming potential breakdowns into significant breakthroughs. Through his engaging private two-day intensives and group workshops, Rabbi Slatkin provides couples at crossroads with the clarity and strategies needed to foster positive outcomes, grounded in a deep-rooted belief that every conflict holds the potential for constructive change. By advocating for relationship intelligence and understanding through faith, he inspires couples to approach challenges with hope, emphasizing that facing and resolving conflicts can ultimately deepen their commitment and connection. Key Takeaways: ->Conflicts in relationships can lead to deeper connections and personal development. ->Creating a safe environment is crucial in relationships to enable open communication and prevent defensiveness. ->Understanding and acknowledging the other person's perspective is key to fostering goodwill and productive communication. ->Breakdowns in relationships can lead to breakthroughs and personal growth. ->Imago therapy helps individuals understand the source of conflict in relationships and develop effective communication skills. ->Viewing conflicts as opportunities for healing and growth can strengthen relationships. Connect with Rabbi Shlomo Slatkin: https://themarriagerestorationproject.com/ https://www.imagorelationshipswork.com/user/slatkinm https://www.linkedin.com/in/themarriagerestorationproject/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"It is a rebirth because there is so much of your identity attached to who you were with this other person in the life that you had with this person or that you created with the person." -Karina Diaz Karina Diaz, a licensed psychotherapist and art therapist with over two decades of experience, offers a compassionate and creative approach to guiding individuals through the emotional journey of divorce. She believes this journey is a deeply impactful experience that often disrupts one's sense of self, particularly affecting children who may feel powerless during such transitions. Karina emphasizes the importance of providing space for children to process their trauma and allowing them a sense of agency, while also highlighting the need for compassion and cultural understanding in supporting all individuals involved. Through her work, she advocates for addressing the emotional complexities of divorce with dignity and empathy, utilizing art therapy as a powerful tool to express and heal from the complex emotions experienced during this challenging life transition. Key Takeaways: ->Divorce can be a traumatic event for individuals, couples, and families, with each person processing it uniquely. ->Art therapy is used as a tool to express complex emotions and provide a non-verbal outlet for individuals during divorce. ->Understanding and addressing the emotional needs of young children during divorce is crucial. ->Healing after emotionally abusive relationships involves rediscovering oneself and rebuilding a sense of self. ->Support and encouragement are important for individuals leaving toxic relationships to navigate the complexities of the process. Connect with Karina Diaz: https://karinadiaztherapy.com/about https://www.linkedin.com/in/karina-diaz-lcat-lpat-a0831520/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"There's something freeing about it. You can decide where you want your assets to go to. You can choose what charity. You don't have to listen to someone else now telling you, no, no, no, no, no." - Tammy Fried Tammy Fried, a seasoned attorney with over 25 years of expertise in tax trusts and estates, is dedicated to guiding individuals, families, and non-profits through the complex terrain of estate planning. As a founding partner of Radic Freed PLLC, she underscores the importance of tailoring estate plans to accommodate the evolving needs that arise across different life stages, from young couples embarking on family life to high-net-worth individuals navigating career changes or even divorce. Fried's strategic approach ensures her clients receive personalized solutions that address their unique circumstances, emphasizing the need to update essential documents like wills, trusts, and powers of attorney to reflect life transitions and safeguard their futures. Her perspective highlights the freedom and control individuals have over their estate plans, particularly post-divorce, allowing them to make informed decisions about asset distribution and guardianship without the need for negotiation, thus securing clarity and security for themselves and their beneficiaries. Key Takeaways: ->Choosing a guardian for children after divorce is crucial for their care and financial responsibility. ->Financial restructuring during divorce extends to estate planning, including reviewing beneficiaries and wills post-divorce. ->Updating estate planning documents after divorce is essential to prevent unintended consequences like assets going to ex-spouses. ->Ancillary documents like power of attorney and living will are essential for comprehensive estate planning. ->Leaving assets to kids in trust can protect them from divorce, lawsuits, and provide asset protection for the next generation. Connect with Tammy Fried: https://www.raddockfried.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/tammyfried/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"What we live with, we learn. What we learn, we practice. What we practice, we become." - Jennifer Kupferman Jennifer Kupferman is a distinguished therapist and former lawyer who expertly combines somatic and traditional talk therapy to guide individuals through the tumultuous journey of divorce. With an impressive academic background, including degrees from Columbia, Penn, Yale, and ASU, she leverages her understanding of high-pressure environments to help her clients find balance amidst the emotional and financial challenges of divorce. Kupferman emphasizes the critical need to validate emotional responses while separating them from legal decisions, as intense emotions can cloud judgment. By encouraging self-compassion and curiosity towards conflicting emotions, she aids in emotional empowerment and healing, advocating for therapeutic techniques like EMDR to reshape self-identity and foster healthy conflict resolution, ultimately benefiting both individuals and their families. Key Takeaways ->Emotions can impair rational decision-making during a divorce. ->It is important to untangle emotions from legal decisions during divorce. ->Children of divorce may develop resilience and problem-solving skills. ->Being aware of one's own nervous system can help parents be more responsive with their children during divorce. ->Somatic therapy aids in creating new neural circuits in the brain for emotional empowerment. Connect with Jennifer Lupferman: https://flourishpsychologynyc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jennifer-kupferman-bb207a5/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"Trust can be helpful for several reasons. One is that having assets in a trust makes it easier when a person dies because the trust assets don't go through the Surrogate's Court." - Michael Goldstein Michael Goldstein, a seasoned New York attorney with over thirty years of experience, brings a wealth of knowledge to the complex issue of dividing real estate during divorce. With a focus on the intricacies of jointly owned properties, such as the marital home and investment properties, Goldstein offers practical insights and a compassionate approach to resolving these disputes. He emphasizes the importance of addressing real estate matters in divorce decrees to prevent legal complications post-divorce, considering critical financial factors like down payments, mortgage payments, and property maintenance. Beyond real estate, Goldstein also advises on utilizing trusts and updating estate plans to protect assets and ensure proper distribution, highlighting their value in safeguarding against unintended consequences during divorce proceedings. Key Takeaways ->Having a written agreement in place can help avoid potential conflicts and ensure clarity on property ownership, expenses, and potential rental income. ->Updating beneficiaries on wills, life insurance policies, and financial accounts during divorce is crucial to avoid unintended consequences. ->Trusts can be a smart tool in divorce planning, offering protection for assets from divorce, bankruptcy, creditors, or bad decisions. ->Written agreements are essential in divorce cases to prevent disputes in the future, regardless of the level of trust between parties. ->Goldstein and Miller emphasize the importance of written agreements for property ownership to avoid disputes and conflicts in the future. Connect with Michael W. Goldstein: https://www.atty1.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-w-goldstein-6aba8410/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"Divorce is not just an ending, but a chance to rediscover the strength we didn't know we have." - Sabrina Romanoff Dr. Sabrina Romanoff, a Harvard-trained clinical psychologist based in New York City, is renowned for her expertise in guiding individuals and couples through the emotional complexities of divorce. She views divorce as an emotional and psychological journey rather than just a legal matter, highlighting the importance of resilience and personal growth during such transformative times. Dr. Romanoff advocates for creating a safe and supportive therapeutic environment that allows individuals to heal at their own pace, drawing parallels between this process and her work with asylum seekers. Through her approach, she emphasizes the significance of finding a compassionate therapist who can provide non-judgmental support, helping individuals navigate their fears and uncertainties while transforming the end of a marriage into an opportunity for self-discovery and new beginnings. Key Takeaways ->Emotional and psychological support is crucial during divorce. ->Healing from divorce involves phases of grief, uncertainty, and rebuilding. ->Focusing on personal values can help navigate divorce decisions. ->Maintaining a positive relationship with your attorney is important during divorce. ->Setting boundaries and protecting mental health are essential when dealing with a high-conflict partner during divorce. Connect with Sabrina Romanoff: https://www.linkedin.com/in/drsromanoff/ https://drsabrinaromanoff.com/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"Lean on your social support and create time to take care of yourself. But also, I can't imagine going through any of this without a therapist." - Julia Yacoob Julia Yacoob, a seasoned clinical psychologist based in Manhattan, brings over 15 years of experience to her specialized work in guiding individuals through the emotional turmoil of divorce. She highlights the pervasive issue of "stuckness" during the divorce process, where negative thought patterns and cognitive errors can cloud judgment and stall personal growth. Dr. Yacoob views these challenging transitions as opportunities to address unresolved family of origin issues and heal past wounds, fostering a path toward personal healing and emotional resilience. By offering both in-person and virtual sessions across New York State, she provides a supportive environment aimed at breaking the cycle of stuckness and promoting overall well-being. Key Takeaways ->Feeling stuck in the divorce process can significantly impact one's thinking and emotional well-being. ->Unresolved family of origin issues may resurface during or after divorce, affecting how individuals navigate new relationships, parenting, and other life transitions. ->Acknowledging and working through feelings of loss and grief can lead to a healthier emotional transition during divorce. ->Psychological Blind Spots in Divorce can lead individuals to make decisions based on distorted thinking fueled by emotional biases and cognitive errors. ->Seeking emotional healing support, such as therapy, during divorce is crucial for navigating the process in a healthy way. Connect with Julia Yacoob: http://jyphd.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/jyacoobphd/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"Trauma is something they don't just get over. It's something they learn to live with." - Demi Yoshida Demi Yoshida, a dedicated therapist at My Well Being, specializes in supporting young adults through pivotal life transitions such as divorce, using her expertise in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and psychodynamic therapy. She believes that divorce during a child's young adulthood can lead to childhood adultification, creating confusion and resentment, and underscores the importance of parents carefully considering the impact of self-disclosure and clearly defining family roles. Acknowledging the societal pressure to remain in a marriage for the sake of the children, Demi highlights the potential negative impact on psychological well-being in toxic relationships, advocating for divorce as a transformative opportunity for individuals to live more authentically. Through a compassionate and culturally sensitive approach, she focuses on guiding her clients towards healing and resilience, using tools like the "Dearman" technique for effective communication and the rainbow emotion wheel from DBT to help manage emotions and promote coping. Key Takeaways ->Divorce during young adulthood can shape identity, resilience, and role definitions, leading to trauma recovery and resilience-building. ->Staying together for the sake of the kids may have psychological costs on both parents and children, impacting family dynamics and individual well-being. ->Demi Yoshida discusses using the rainbow emotion wheel as a DBT skill to manage overwhelming emotions during divorce. ->Cultural backgrounds can impact individuals going through divorce, shaping perceptions and attitudes towards recovery. Connect with Demi Yoshida: https://mywellbeing.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/demi-yoshida-lmsw-2b7a6a183/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"People lose sight of the fact that they're human beings, and it's not always easy." - Dr. Sean Condon Dr. Sean Condon, a seasoned clinical psychologist with over two decades of experience, is renowned for his adeptness in helping individuals navigate anxiety, relationship challenges, and major life transitions such as divorce. As the founder of the Flatiron Center for Psychotherapy, Dr. Condon utilizes a warm yet direct style, advocating for an integrative therapeutic approach that views divorce not as a failure, but rather as a complex transition where both parties are doing their best. He emphasizes the necessity of confronting and understanding the inherent pain of divorce as a pivotal step toward healing, believing that therapy provides a crucial space for growth, support, and compassion. Through his lens, the therapeutic process post-divorce is an opportunity for self-discovery, where individuals can transform feelings of shame and self-blame into acceptance and optimism, fostering a renewed perspective on life. Key Takeaways ->Healing and growth after divorce can lead to personal development and a deeper understanding of oneself. ->Acknowledging and processing pain post-divorce is crucial for personal growth. ->Therapy plays a significant role in helping individuals navigate emotional challenges during divorce recovery. ->Self-reflection during divorce is essential for personal growth, understanding emotions, values, and priorities. ->Personality traits and patterns have a notable impact on relationships and the divorce experience, requiring tailored therapy interventions. Connect with Sean Condon: https://drseancondon.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/sean-condon-284a554/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/

"That it's a journey, allow yourself time, allow yourself the grace and whatever that you need and set intentions for why you are trying to reconnect with certain people." - Kimia Moghadam Kimia Moghadam, a licensed mental health counselor and clinical director at My Therapy NYC, is dedicated to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of relationships, particularly when facing the challenges of leaving them. She emphasizes the multifaceted nature of this decision, taking into account cultural norms, financial dependencies, and emotional vulnerabilities that can make it daunting. Moghadam encourages individuals to seek support from their community, friends, and family, recognizing the value of a strong support system in such times. By fostering open communication and advocating for personal needs, she helps clients reconnect with themselves, approach new relationships with patience and self-compassion, and ultimately prioritize their own well-being. Key Takeaways ->Kimia Moghadam emphasizes relational, compassionate, and honest approach in therapy sessions for couples navigating separation and divorce. ->Creating a safe and trusting environment for clients using humor and compassion to facilitate difficult conversations. ->Encouraging clients to address issues and communicate effectively in sessions, holding them accountable for their words and actions. ->Importance of acknowledging evolving identities after divorce and finding ways to empower these identities in new ways. ->Seeking support, allowing time and grace needed for rediscovering identity post-divorce. Connect with Kimia Moghadam https://mytherapynyc.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/kimia-moghadam-lmhc-d-487784122/ Connect with Katherine Miller: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kemiller1/ https://miller-law.com/