Collaborative Family Practice
            Information for Lawyers

Susan's expertise:

Since Susan’s use of emotionally focused couples therapy looks at the dynamics between the partners rather than assigning blame, collaborative practice is fully aligned with her approach to psychotherapy.

She recently participated in Level I training (Introduction to Collaborative Practice) and Level II training (Advanced Collaborative Practitioner’s Training), so she is qualified to serve on collaborative family practice interdisciplinary teams.

How Susan can help:

• Marital therapy: If either the couple or the lawyer believes the marriage may not be over, Susan can work with the couple in marital therapy to see if reconciliation is possible.
• Screening before collaborative proceedings: Susan can meet with the couple in advance to help assess whether they are capable of successfully achieving a collaborative resolution to the relationship breakdown. Such screening enables her to identify any circumstances (e.g., addictions, personality disorders, family violence) that would limit the effectiveness of the process, and establish a plan to help deal with these issues.
• Preparation for collaborative proceedings: Susan can meet with one or both parties in advance to help de-escalate the intensity of their emotions that can stall or sabotage the collaborative process.
• Coaching during collaborative proceedings: Susan can work with one partner or both together to address hurt feelings and help achieve a sense of closure about the relationship.
• Impact on children: Depending on family circumstances, Susan can work with the couple during the collaborative process to understand how the relationship breakdown has affected their children, and provide recommendations for their emotional support.

For more information:

For more details about involving Susan in a collaborative proceeding with one of your clients, please contact her directly.