© 2001 James N. Kraut, Psy.D.

Of all the major life changes we can experience, divorce is one of the most challenging - especially when children are involved. Like any crisis, divorce also presents us with opportunity - a chance to start anew. We can learn from the aching pain in our hearts to formulate a new, wiser way of living.

Needless to say, it's not an easy task. There can be many obstacles; the road ahead often seems unclear and complicated. It's easy to slip back into our old ways as we're probably feeling more alone and less sure of ourselves than we have in a long time. We can quickly become overwhelmed.

What if someone told you that there was a way you could learn to feel good about being single again? That you could learn to create a new relationship with your kids? That you could become kinder to yourself? Better at controlling your anger? And more comfortable starting new relationships?
Well, all that sounds great, you might be thinking, but how in the world do I accomplish THAT?

Personal coaching could be the answer.

As a relatively new form of help, personal coaching is based on one simple premise: When you're working with someone who cares about your success and holds you accountable for meeting your goals, you get much better at creating positive change in your life.

Fundamentally, coaching is different from psychotherapy. In a coaching relationship, you don't focus on "how you got here," but, rather, on "where you want to go." This model is based on the premise that you either know what your goals are or can discover them within the initial stage of the coaching process. It also assumes that you possess all you need to achieve them. A coach functions as a source of support and guidance, ultimately holding you responsible for meeting your most important goals. The coaching model assumes that all the knowledge in the world about our shortcomings will not make us any happier, but the accomplishment of positive change will.

Coaching can help get you clear about your new direction and give you focus when you lose your perspective. You and your coach will prioritize and simplify, converting a confusing mass of loose ends into a tightly knit game plan.

The end result? A fulfilling life and hopeful future.

Do you deserve anything less?

If you'd like to learn more about personal coaching and how it can help you, please contact Dr. Kraut, licensed psychologist and professional coach, at drjkraut@yahoo.com.