“Divorce is a rebirth”
Camille Toscano, a divorce coach.
When it comes to divorce, we all need something different to get us through. Taking up running, bingeing on rom-coms or sunshine – the support we seek must soothe the soul. Moreover, finding what works for you is a personal journey. Someone who has been through that journey is Camille Toscano. Camille is a break up and divorce coach. Having gone through her own marriage breakdown, now guides others to move through divorce with clarity, dignity and momentum. We recently sat down with her to discuss the key difference between divorce coaching and therapy. Her insights are unique, reflective and a sound guide to help you decide what might be best to navigate your challenges.
What Are The Big Differences Between Coaching & Therapy?
To answer this question it’s best to break it down into two.
Firstly, Let’s Look At What Is Divorce Therapy?
Crucially therapy involves a form of psychological counselling helping you process the emotional impact of separation. It tends to be focused on past wounds, healing and mental health.
So, What Is Divorce Coaching?
Divorce coaches are not mental health professionals.
“My approach is focused on moving forward,” Camille says.
There is a lot of ‘stigma messaging’ surrounding divorce, a divorce coach can help you break away from feeling like a victim.
“The process of coaching is led by goal setting, building confidence and belief systems, pathing the way to the strongest version of yourself” Camille says.
A coach can help you overcome limiting self-beliefs and get the most out of your divorce and future.
Therapy can dive into deeper emotional issues that may need healing and unpacking.
Everything depends on you. Where you are, what you have been through and what you need to take care of yourself during your divorce.
What Can A Therapist Help With?
A therapist can help dive into the past, emotional issues or even substance abuse. They are more focused on mental health and unpacking anything that you wish to explore to move forward. Furthermore, they can explore feelings, patterns and wounds to help you heal. If you are feeling highly anxious, intense trauma or depression a therapist can help explore why and move through it.
What Can A Divorce Coach Help With?
A divorce coach can support and motivate you to set goals and make practical changes to step into your most powerful self.
“They can help you turn your divorce into a rebirth to launch a whole new chapter” says Camille.
Coaching sessions are focused on making actionable plans guiding you towards the future. A divorce coach helps set green lights to let go of the past. Henceforth, creating strategies to take you wherever you want to go.
How Do You Decide What Is Best For You?
Choosing between coaching and therapy is a personal decision. Only you know how you feel emotionally, mentally and physically. Speaking to both a coach and a therapist may help with the decision process. You can talk them through where you are at and ask for their opinion. Ultimately, you do not have to choose.
A mixture of both could be best to help you move forward. You may want to start with therapy then move onto coaching when you are ready to set goals. Finding what works for you may take time and experimenting. Therefore, stay open, curious and be gentle with yourself. You are the best person to know what’s right for you and taking care of yourself is a constant role. It goes on long after you divorce, whether you choose coaching or therapy, remember to be your own best friend.
When Should You Start Working With a Divorce Coach Or Therapist?
You can start working with a therapist or divorce coach whenever you feel ready. This can even be before you separate. Maybe you find yourself lost, feeling your relationship is beginning to fall apart or even after the papers are signed. Hence, a divorce coach or therapist can even support your working with a divorce lawyer to help you strategise. You create your team and when you start to build that team you will feel all the stronger.
So Finally…
Divorce is a personal journey. Choosing your support network can make a huge difference to how you navigate the storm. A therapist can support you to heal emotional wounds. Whereas a divorce coach can motivate and help you set goals and strategies to move towards your future. It is never too soon to build your team. And whoever you have on it remember you are your own best friend. Be patient, gentle and kind to yourself.
Whether romo-coms, running or sunshine – you do you, always.
