Supporting Families Through Divorce: Ethical and Effective Strategies

In this Workshop, Carl Arnold, JD, and Terri Bly, PsyD, LP, will help clinicians gain clarity and confidence when working with clients affected by separation or divorce, including adults and children. Attendees will get an overview of the legal process of separation and divorce and the different professionals who may become involved during and/or after a separation or divorce. Lastly, the presenters will discuss how clinicians can ethically and effectively support clients going through divorce or separation without risking their licensure.

• We will dive deeper into the topic of how to support your client without advocating for them or giving them legal advice (thus avoiding finding yourself in hot water or in court)
• How to work with minors whose parents are going through divorce
• Common missteps therapists make and how to avoid them
• How to validate your client’s experience without reinforcing unhelpful or even damaging narratives
• How to respond to requests from attorneys, guardians ad litem, Parenting Consultants, etc.
• How to set clear boundaries with the parents
• When and how to use a Safe Harbor agreement
• How to assist your client in differentiating between positions and interests/goals, and why it matters
• Understanding the negotiation process and what therapists can do to help their clients use mindfulness techniques to negotiate more effectively
• Understanding the importance and the risks of diagnosing PTSD (or any other mental health disorder) in a client going through a divorce.
• How to document therapy sessions ethically, accurately, and carefully when working with clients going through a divorce.