Support for Men in Divorce

San Francisco Mediation: A Better Solution

A while back, I posted a link to a support group which focuses on helping women through the difficult transition of divorce or separation (although they also work with men). This is my belated follow up link for a support group which focuses on helping men through this same difficult transition (although he also works with women).

Larry O’Connor provides group support for men going through divorce or separation and also provides individual counseling for men as well as women. (See info here) He has a positive, insightful and often humorous approach that works very well for many individuals and I have received positive feedback from individuals who have worked with Larry.

What I like about both support groups (Larry’s support for men and Laura and Judy’s Divorce Recovery Coaching for women which I posted on previously) is that they are designed to offer help and support for the unique needs and issues of each gender but they also offer support for the other gender as well. Many groups or counselors can become hostile to the other gender and this is not something I see with either of these providers. This is more closely alligned with my work as a neutral mediator and is one of the reasons I feel comfortable recommending both providers as potential resources.

However, keep in mind that getting the right kind of support during this time is not an exact science. It is important to figure out what your options are: read what you can on the Internet, make some phone calls to get a sense of the services available by each provider (their style, group approach and personality) and choose a support option that feels like it’s the best fit for you.

It can be like finding a good divorce mediator or a good divorce attorney. Once you get over the hurdle of finding someone who is knowledgeable and experienced, then you need to make sure it’s a good personality fit. Coaches, therapists/counselors, attorneys and mediators all understand this is a painful and challenging time in your lives; finding the right kind of support for your specific needs and situation can help to make this an easier transition and can even lead to better results in your case by ensuring you are thinking clearly and making good long term decisions.

                       

Paula Lawhon

Paula Lawhon is a full-time Family Law Mediator. She has been a practicing attorney for 15 years and mediator for 10 years. Our Family Law Mediation Team has offices in San Francisco and San Rafael as well as meeting space in Oakland. We mediate divorce, custody and other family matters,… MORE >