Well meaning psychologists who are helping clients going through a divorce are often overstepping their boundaries by going beyond helping alleviate stress and depression and are counseling clients to get more aggressive, suggesting attorneys that will help them get more in a settlement. This stems from a common misconception if the legal system and is not helping the client but actually causes more stress and aggravation. Psychologists need to stick to their scope of practice and focus on healing.
Key Takeaways:
- Psychologists should be used to help facilitate healing in divorces not be brought in to pick the best attack lawyers.
- Attorneys and Psychologists should use their vast skills to promote family healing in divorces not prolong conflict.
- Couples need to be encouraged to be receptive in divorce proceedings and stay away from our reactive, survival tendencies.
“It never ceases to amaze me that people regularly contend that they can’t enter into a facilitative approach because they’re in conflict with each other, can’t communicate with each other, and don’t trust each other.”