My experience of families working through the process of the parents’ divorcing goes back long before I ever received a doctorate in family counseling. In 1990, my wife and I separated and divorced. At the time our boys were nine, eight and seven. While relatively civil to each other during the process, we both discovered that the legal system was not structured to be either supportive or compassionate to us as a divorcing couple.
Since 1990, the legal system has made some significant improvements. Nonetheless, the system is still adversarial by nature and we have some way to go before it can be said that the legal system is conducive to a calm and rational resolution when couples with children divorce.
My efforts as a custody evaluator, parenting coordinator, consultant, and family counselor are tempered by my own experience. I understand that eventually the judges and attorneys will be gone and it will be up to the parents to put the pieces of their lives, and the lives of their children, back together again.
As a custody evaluator it is my intention to provide services in such a way that, after the divorce is final, the foundation will be laid in such a way that everyone can move forward in a productive way. And, as a family counselor I work to help families continue to move in the right direction. I look forward to the opportunity to work with you as your family moves through and beyond the process of divorce.
Theoretical Approach
My theoretical approach to individual and family counseling is cognitive/behavioral with additional attention paid to developmental stages and existential/spiritual issues. My couple’s work also relies on the research and therapy of Drs. John and Julie Gottman. Most important, please understand that I am not working for either parent. Rather, I am working for the children.
When providing post-divorce related family counseling, I all but insist that we meet on a rotating bases in each parent’s home, rather than in an office. After I first meet individually with both parents, we will incorporate the children (when age appropriate) and start meeting at the parent’s respective houses with the children present. Often I will ask stepparents to participate.
Meeting in homes and incorporating stepparents can sometimes be a little intimidating for everyone, particularly the children. On rare occasions that is not appropriate for safety reasons. Under those circumstances an alternative methodology will be employed.
Fee Schedule
Fees are set at $100/hr. plus transportation. In Pinellas County, individuals living south of Ulmerton Road will be charged a $50 transportation fee. In Hillsbourgh County, individuals living north of Linebaugh Avenue or east of Dale Mabry Hwy will be charged a $50 transportation fee. Insurance reimbursement is typically unavailable for this type of services.
Post Divorce Family Counseling Services