Tips to Dealing with Divorce

Every person going through a divorce is experiencing some emotions about the process.

It could be fear, anxiousness, anger, relief, confusion, sadness, disappointment, etc.

You may benefit from having someone to talk to about how you are feeling so you can focus on getting the best resolution of your divorce case for both you and your family.

I interview Dr. Dawn Nelson of the Centre for Human Flourishing so you know how a psychologist can help you in a divorce, and coping tips for those going through a divorce.

Dr. Nelson, you are a psychotherapist and a counselor.  What is it like for people to work with you? 

I am a psychotherapist and counselor who focuses on human flourishing.  I help people become their best emotionally, mentally, and physically. I focus on self-empowerment, happiness, self-realization, human excellence, health and wellness.  I establish a real relationship with clients in a safe and supportive environment. Our conversations are private and confidential and are held in my office (which is nice and relaxing).  We will have forthright, candid, and colloborative conversations.  I am non-judgmental but I also will challenge you.  I am known to be a very supportive, compassionate and caring counselor.

What do you love about what you do?

I love to develop open, honest, mutually respectful and trusting relationships.  I love to help people understand themselves, identify goals, identifying problems and obstacles to the achievement of personal goals.  I enjoy the practice of being present in the moment, the practice of not knowing and of being okay with not knowing.

What is it that you teach to your clients?

I help clients work with and manage their emotions.  I teach them how to handle themselves with other people.  I talk to them about living in accordance to their values and ideals.  I promote empowerment and support health and wellness.  I teach them to care for themselves, and practice compassion toward themselves.  I also assist them in identifying what is essential – in order to provide a proper response to any circumstance or problem – one must accurately perceive the situation or problem.

What tips can you give to someone (including divorcees) who are dealing with change or transition?

• Begin where you are; learn to stay with and be open to your experience; plow the field in front of you. Think of the marital art of Aikido.  It;s a path of non-resistance, personal development, centering and the use of vital energy.
• Recognize that the mind lead the body, if you take responsibility for and care of your mental and emotional health, your body will manifest that care.
• We all have blindspots and are therefore in need of a trusted other to help us see more clearly, ourselves and others, our way forward: don't be afraid to ask for help.
• Pay attention and recognize that every person that irritates or agitates us has the power to help and heal us.
• Focus your work on yourself and your relationships if you want to be healthy and happy.  There's a Ted Tak by Robert Waldinger, a Zen priest and leader of the longest running study on health and happiness (75 years) (You can watch it here: TedX Robert Waldinger).  The takeaway of the study?  At the end of life, in your 8-‘s, it's not money, fame, or cholesterol that determines your health and happiness, it's the quality of your relationships.

Unlike many psychologists, you do not accept insurance and clients pay a few per session.  Why do you not accept insurance?

I believe that the medical model as applied to the mind is a woefully misguided approach to the human struggles and agonies that people bring into counseling.  The way managed care clinicians are paid often distort professional and clinical judgment.  With a primary emphasis on cost containment, your needs are invariably compromised.

You talk in great detail on your website about why you don't except insurance, correct?

Yes.  You can understand more about my decision to not accept insurance here:  Dr. Nelson's Conversation about Insurance

Great.  How can clients contact you?

Dr. Dawn Nelson
Centre For Human Flourishing LLC
Historic Third Ward
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53202
414-331-0952
Email: [email protected]