High Conflict Divorce and Domestic Violence: The Line Between Coaching and Advocacy

These days with all the talk of narcissists, domestic violence, intimate partner violence, and coercive control, we get a lot of questions from divorce coaches about how, when or whether they should be working with clients involved in these situations.

In this episode, we clarify the specific role a divorce coach plays and examine those circumstances where coaches need to be cautious that they’re not crossing the line into advising, advocacy or UPL in their efforts to protect clients dealing with high conflict or intimate partner violence.

We set the stage by defining the terms divorce coach, educator, advisor and advocate. then we walk through a couple of hypothetical scenarios with a client we call "Michelle" to demonstrate the difference between coaching, advising, and advocacy. 

Resources to have on hand:

• National Domestic Violence Hotline: thehotine.org 1-800-799-SAFE (7233)
• Local Domestic Violence Resources: womenslaw.org

So how do you figure out what your role as a divorce coach should be when conflict is ramping up? We share 3 guidelines that will help you make decisions:

1. Your Comfort Zone
2. Your Consult Call
3. Your Coaching Agreement
4. Your Professional Ethics

Learn more about DCA™ or  any of the classes or events mentioned in this episode at the links below:

Website: www.divorcecoachesacademy.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/divorcecoachesacademy
LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/divorce-coaches-academy
Email: DCA@divorcecoachesacademy.com