About Restorative Divorce
Restorative Divorce is a unique and powerful process designed to promote healthy communication, understanding, and trust. It works because it interrupts patterns of dysfunction (blame, resentment, lack of responsibility, etc.), and requires that each party look at the harm they are causing and take responsibility for it. This may seem like a tall order, and it often is, but our process makes it possible.
Utilizing a combination of principles and exercises inspired by restorative justice, nonviolent communication and peacemaking, Restorative Divorce gets to the underlying issues and blockages. You are given cutting-edge tools you can employ immediately and use for the rest of your life, tools that help you take full responsibility for your own life. We work from the assumption that once we assume responsibility for what we want, feel and do, we can move beyond blame, resentment and feeling like a victim. From this place of personal power, we can engage life as strong adults and enter into healthy communication and relationship with others.
Restorative Divorce is unique because:
- We utilize principles and practices which create the safety and respect necessary to look deeply at the full range of negative impacts associated with the dysfunction in the relationship. We work in the present moment, from present experience, leaving old patterns of blame and justification behind.
- We employ mindfulness practices as a way to support staying in the present moment, and getting out of habitual thought patterns.
- We are family-oriented. If children are affected by the divorce, we encourage their involvement in the restoration process. We believe that having children’s voices heard directly promotes the deepest and longest-lasting change.
- We are community-oriented. We will ask most clients to consider a restorative circle. Restorative circles can include children, friends and/or family members who can support both of the adult “clients,” the family, and the process. Aside from their support in the circle, these friends or family members help keep the restoration process alive over time.
- We utilize cutting edge teachings and exercises that support profound shifts in attitudes and behaviors. These bring out our deepest truths and foster self-awareness. The teachings build inner resources that can immediately be applied toward taking greater personal responsibility and improving relationships.
- We will customize our services to meet your needs. We can combine individual sessions, couple sessions, family sessions, coaching, and restorative circles. We also provide follow-up services and referrals that match your specific goals.
- Restorative Divorce is not about preconceived ideas around winning or coming out on top. It is not therapy or counseling and will not always be a replacement for other ways of addressing issues related to divorce. Mediation, for example, and the more traditional use of attorneys, may be beneficial as a complement or alternative to Restorative Divorce.
- When undertaken with a desire to change, Restorative Divorce is a powerful process that can help you move forward peacefully in life and relationships.
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