Ep 131 Unseen Divides: Subtle Parental Alienation in Divorce – Insights from Mediator Carol McKelvey

Creating an Effective Parenting Plan is one of the most challenging aspects of divorce, and when not done thoughtfully, it can lead to significant post-divorce conflicts. In this episode, I sit down with Tina Keyes, a Florida Supreme Court Certified Family Mediator, Certified Divorce Coach®, Certified Co-Parenting Specialist, and Trauma-Informed Certified Coach. Tina shares her expertise in helping parents of minor children navigate their co-parenting relationships with reduced stress, conflict, and legal expenses. We explore how to prioritize parenting plans in mediation, common oversights parents make when crafting these agreements, and best practices for creating and implementing successful plans. Tina also delves into how contentiousness impacts parenting negotiations, the harmful use of children as pawns in divorce, and strategies to prevent such dynamics. Tune in for invaluable insights from a seasoned expert dedicated to making divorce less traumatic for families.

In this episode, I sit down with Junie Moon, a transformative love coach and expert in shadow work, to explore the complexities of starting over in a new relationship after divorce. Together, we discuss the importance of navigating the phases of transition—Ending, Neutral Zone, and New Beginning—and why so many people rush into new relationships without healing. Junie sheds light on the distinct ways men and women prepare for love, the transformative power of shadow work, and how to shift from relationships based on need to those of purpose. We also tackle the challenge of balancing the thrill of new romance with the demands of parenting, self-care, and work, while maintaining healthy boundaries. Whether you're ready to dive back into dating or just starting to heal, this conversation offers invaluable insights for creating a love that lasts.Check out the Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.Enter to win The Relationship Toolkit Course Junie mentioned on the show visit: https://midlifeloveoutloud.pages.ontraport.net/RTKCONTEST-podcast

In this podcast episode, I host LauraAura, a dynamic mindset coach, speaker, and host of The Gutsy Podcast. Together, they explore the challenges and opportunities divorcees face when seeking transformative change during a tumultuous period. Laura shares her insights on navigating the “Messy Middle,” the uncertain space between letting go of the past and stepping into a new future, and offers practical advice for identifying the right path when everything feels unclear. The conversation highlights spiritual paradoxes, like "slow down to speed up," and how they play a crucial role in creating meaningful, gutsy transformations. Laura also discusses the courage required to pursue a life that feels alive, even when met with resistance from loved ones, emphasizing the importance of silencing external noise to embrace true desires. The episode is an empowering guide for anyone ready to step out of their comfort zone and into a life of authenticity and fulfillment. To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.

In this episode, Steve is joined by Cherie Morris, a lawyer-turned-coach specializing in divorce mediation, co-parenting, and blended family coaching. Together, they dive into the complexities of co-parenting post-separation and explore ways to achieve better outcomes for children amidst contentious dynamics. Cherie offers insights into overcoming the myth that courts can fix co-parenting struggles, the challenges faced by couples who struggled as co-parents during marriage, and the added stress when a new partner enters the family dynamic. Steven and Cherie also tackle issues of triangulation and provide practical advice for step-parents navigating co-parenting roles. Cherie’s expertise shines as she shares strategies to help families transition to healthier, more collaborative co-parenting. To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.

In this episode, I reflect on key patterns observed over the past three years with men navigating divorce, and share insight why the common challenges exist. Many listeners describe long-standing "invisible divorces," feeling trapped in unhappy, often sexless marriages for the sake of family or finances. Upon being left, they’re blindsided by feelings of betrayal and unfairness, especially in cases involving parent alienation or financial strain. Men who initiate divorce face guilt and the desire for an amicable split, often met with resistance. Across the board, men seek validation quickly in new relationships, struggle with financial worries, and need short-term, focused support to push through. As we close out 2024, I’m excited to announce a refreshed podcast format launching on December 23—featuring higher-quality audio and video episodes, with monthly guests offering both professional insights and real-life divorce stories.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.For additional divorce support visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon, as well as online divorce support courses in the Patreon Shop.If you are looking to make quick, targeted progress, consider a one of our 90-minute navigation sessions. You can schedule them here:In the early stages of divorce? Early Divorce Navigation Session.Challenges post-divorce? Post-Divorce Navigation Session.Preparing for mediation or a hearing? Mediation and Court Mindset Navigation Session.Find my poetry book Spirit Poems on Amazon.

In this episode, I sat down with Carol McKelvey, an experienced therapist and family mediator, to explore the complex issue of parental alienation from her unique vantage point. Carol, who has spent much of her career in behavioral health, transitioned into mediation to support families through divorce with an insightful, balanced approach. We delved into the subtler tactics of parental alienation—behaviors that often go unnoticed in court or mediation. Carol shared her perspective on how even subtle actions, like undermining the other parent's decisions in front of children, constitute alienation, and why these less overt forms can be particularly damaging. She offered practical advice for parents facing alienation on how to effectively advocate for their interests in mediation, along with insights on how the dynamic shifts when legal counsel is present. Throughout, Carol emphasized her role in restoring harmony when tensions run high, underscoring the importance of mediators in helping families reach resolutions that serve the best interests of everyone, especially the children. To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.

Feeling financially trapped in marriage is a growing concern for couples who want to divorce but face the harsh reality of supporting two households. This episode explores how the cost of living—beyond just inflation—creates financial stress, impacting time, energy, health, and family prosperity. By breaking down real-life situations, from those barely getting by to couples who seem well-off but face financial tightness, this episode emphasizes the importance of assessing your financial situation early. Discover how taking proactive steps can transform the trap into an opportunity for better planning and a more amicable post-divorce life.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.For additional divorce support visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon, as well as online divorce support courses in the Patreon Shop.If you are looking to make quick, targeted progress, consider a one of our 90-minute navigation sessions. You can schedule them here:In the early stages of divorce? Early Divorce Navigation Session.Challenges post-divorce? Post-Divorce Navigation Session.Preparing for mediation or a hearing? Mediation and Court Mindset Navigation Session.Find my poetry book Spirit Poems on Amazon.

In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Gary Salyer, transformational relationship mentor and author of Safe to Love Again: How to Release the Pain of Past Relationships and Create the Love You Deserve. Together, we unpack the concept of the "Invisible Divorce," examining why so many couples allow their relationships to drift into this space without actively working on the issues. We dive into the crucial moment of accepting when a marriage isn't working, explore how "relationship rights" are often infringed upon—leading to the breakdown of trust—and discuss the painful topics of betrayal and how to regain trust safely to open the door to future relationships. Lastly, we cover how to avoid repeating past relationship mistakes, setting the foundation for healthier connections moving forward. If you're looking for a deeper understanding of these critical relationship dynamics, this episode is for you. To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.

In episode 128, we dive into a question many ask but few can clearly answer: "How do I know when I'm ready to date after divorce?" This episode explores the complexity of dating readiness, especially when sexual connection and validation seem intertwined with post-divorce recovery. We'll break down the layers of dating motives—from fulfilling sexual needs to seeking deeper intimacy and partnership—while reflecting on how post-divorce dating can sometimes muddle personal growth. Through personal stories and reflections, we discuss how true readiness isn't defined by time but by acceptance, boundaries, and an openness to love. Tune in to find clarity on whether you're truly ready to open yourself to a new relationship.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.For additional divorce support visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon, as well as online divorce support courses in the Patreon Shop.If you are looking to make quick, targeted progress, consider a one of our 90-minute navigation sessions. You can schedule them here:In the early stages of divorce? Early Divorce Navigation Session.Challenges post-divorce? Post-Divorce Navigation Session.Preparing for mediation or a hearing? Mediation and Court Mindset Navigation Session.Find my poetry book Spirit Poems on Amazon.

In this episode, I’m joined by Susan Shofer, a Divorce Coach specializing in Parent Alienation, who has worked with thousands of cases. We dive deep into the complexities of parent alienation, exploring how the alienating parent often exhibits traits of borderline personality disorder, making them resistant to change and always steps ahead. Susan shares critical insights on recognizing subtle alienation tactics and signs, such as the "friendship" approach that disrupts parenting roles and creates a damaging "good-cop/bad-cop" dynamic. Tune in to learn how to navigate these challenging situations and protect your relationship with your child.To enjoy the remainder of this Premier Episode visit our Divorce Support Center on Patreon.  New subscribers pay just $3/month, after a 7-day free trial, for my full body of podcast episodes and exclusive community events.Transform your divorce experience for long-term success. Learn how to manage conflict, elevate relationship dynamics, and enhance financial savvy. Visit www.youtreecoaching.com now, or schedule a free consultation to determine what services might benefit you.