When you go through a seismic life shift, whether it’s a divorce, a career transition, or becoming an empty nester, the primary casualty is often your sense of identity. For years, your life may have been defined by roles: the partner, the provider, the mediator, the...
It’s 2:15 PM on a Tuesday. You’re in the middle of a workday, and your phone buzzes. It’s a text message from your co-parent. What should be a quick, two-sentence logistical question about soccer practice pickup has somehow devolved into a four-paragraph essay...
The parenting plan is signed, the custody schedule is set on paper, and the big courtroom battles are behind you. By all accounts, the hard part should be over. Yet, every Sunday afternoon before the kids head back to your ex's house, a familiar tightness creeps into...
When a marriage ends, one of the most common pieces of advice well-meaning friends offer is: "Look at this as a blank canvas. You get to reinvent your entire life from scratch." While that is meant to be empowering, it often feels incredibly heavy. When you are...
When life drops a massive transition in your lap, the immediate, default reaction for most people is, "I need to find a therapist." As someone with a background as a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC), let me be the first to tell you: therapy is an...
We’ve all seen it happen. Or worse, we’ve felt it. You’re a high-functioning professional. You manage teams, close complex business deals, or run a tight, highly efficient household ship. But the moment you open an email from your ex’s attorney, your brain completely...
Let's be totally honest for a second: if you and your former partner were great at communicating, understanding each other's emotional nuances, and compromising, you probably wouldn't be divorced. Expecting a flawless, emotionally sensitive communication style to...
Sunday evening should ideally be a time to wind down, relax, and prep mentally for the school week ahead. But for children of divorce, Sunday afternoons often bring an invisible wave of low-grade anxiety, behavior outbursts, or sudden mood swings. Why? Because it's...
When a long-term relationship ends, the logistical and financial untangling is exhausting. You divide the bank accounts, sign the titles, pack up the boxes, and file the paperwork. But it’s the identity untangling that catches people completely off guard. For years,...
We’ve all seen the golden idea of "co-parenting" pushed by movies and social media. It’s the picture-perfect image of divorced parents sitting happily together at soccer games, throwing joint birthday parties, and seamlessly chatting on the phone about school science...
The holidays are often painted as a time of pure joy: cozy family gatherings, sparkling lights, festive traditions, and togetherness. But if you’re going through a divorce, or still healing from one—you may find yourself dreading the season instead of looking forward...
When autumn arrives, I always find myself smiling at the crisp air, the crunch of leaves underfoot, and the bursts of color that paint the trees. Fall is such a reminder that change is natural and that it can even be beautiful. Every year, the trees let go of what no...
Especially During and After Divorce We all hit that moment—the quiet pause, the emotional crossroads—when something has to shift. Sometimes it’s triggered by a major life change like divorce. Other times, it’s a slow, creeping feeling that your personal life or your...
We’ve all been there, saying “yes” when we really wanted to say “no.” Maybe it was agreeing to a last-minute favor, taking a call from an ex when you needed space, or committing to something out of guilt rather than desire. But every time we say “yes” to something...
Let’s be honest: the idea of walking into a counseling session can feel intimidating, especially if you've never done it before. You might wonder, “Will I have to lie on a couch?” “Will I be judged?” “Am I supposed to cry the whole time?” The short answer? Nope. If...
Do you feel stuck, overwhelmed, paralyzed by fear or indecision? Whispering, or maybe shouting “What the heck is happening to my life?” Maybe you’re freshly divorced and wondering who you are now.Maybe the grief of losing a loved one, or the identity you had wrapped...
Divorce is never easy, especially when children are involved. However, co-parenting effectively can make a world of difference in helping your kids adjust to this major life change. As a divorce and life coach, I’ve worked with many parents navigating this transition,...
Divorce is one of the most emotionally challenging life experiences a person can go through. The process often brings a mix of emotions, ranging from grief and anger to relief and hope. Understanding and managing these emotions is crucial for healing and moving...
For many, February is synonymous with love and romance, with Valentine’s Day serving as the month’s centerpiece. But for others, this time of year can amplify feelings of loss, loneliness, or frustration, especially for those navigating the unique complexities of...
For many, the beginning of a new year is a time for reflection, resolutions, and fresh starts. But for others, January can mark a turning point in their personal lives, earning it the unofficial title of “Divorce Month.” While this may sound discouraging, recognizing...
As we enter the new year, law firms that handle divorce and family law cases are likely anticipating an uptick in client inquiries and casework. The post-holiday period is often a time when many individuals, reflecting on their personal lives and future, decide to...
While grief is different for everyone, it often follows some recognizable stages. These stages are not linear—some people might jump back and forth between them, or even skip some entirely. The stages of divorce grief can be similar to those experienced in the death...
I am truly grateful to be recognized in the Sheridan Road magazine Power Women issue! This acknowledgment is not just a personal milestone, but a powerful reminder of the importance of community and connection. As we navigate our journeys as entrepreneurs and human...
Honored to Co-Chair the Lynn Sage 2024 Fall Benefit I am deeply honored to announce that I will be co-chairing the Lynn Sage 2024 Fall Benefit for Breast Cancer, taking place on October 24 in Chicago. As a breast cancer survivor, this event holds a special place in my...
As the seasons shift, so too does our energy, mindset, and even our routines. The change in weather often inspires reflection, making this a perfect time to set new, achievable goals for the season ahead. Whether you're in the middle of a life transition, healing...
Hello, everyone! Today, I want to take a moment to talk about something we all face at some point in our lives—change. Whether it's a small adjustment or a major life transition, change can be difficult, but it can also be incredibly empowering. I came across this...
Life is a journey filled with twists and turns, and some of these changes can be profoundly challenging. Whether you’re facing a major upheaval or a seemingly insurmountable obstacle, it’s important to remember that even the most traumatic events can be navigated with...
Divorce is a profound life transition that can ripple through every aspect of your existence, impacting emotional, financial, and social facets of your life. The end of a marriage signifies not just the dissolution of a partnership, but also the beginning of a new...
As both a licensed clinical counselor and a coach specializing in major life changes for adults and adolescents, I often encounter confusion around the roles of counselors and coaches. While both professions aim to support and guide individuals, they serve different...
Navigating the Path of Unexpected and Planned Transitions Change is an inevitable part of life. Whether it’s a sudden shift in circumstances or a meticulously planned transformation, change can evoke a mix of emotions ranging from excitement to fear. As a personal...