🎙️ Episode 16 | Pre-Mediation Divorce Coaching Explained: Preparing for Better Mediation Outcomes

What if the most important work in divorce mediation happens before you ever sit down at the table?

Many people preparing for divorce mediation focus on what will happen during the meeting. But the truth is, the preparation you do beforehand can have a profound impact on how effectively you communicate, how confidently you make decisions, and ultimately, the outcome of your mediation.

In this episode of Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 Minutes, Kimberly Lorah welcomes Tracy Callahan, MA, ADRDC, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Divorce Coaches Academy®, Supreme Court of Florida Certified Family Mediator, Parenting Coordinator, and Certified ADR Divorce Coach.

Together, they explore the growing role of pre-mediation divorce coaching and why preparing emotionally, mentally, and strategically before mediation can help reduce conflict, improve communication, and create more thoughtful, sustainable agreements.

If you're considering divorce mediation or simply want to understand how preparation can change your divorce experience this conversation is one you won't want to miss.

✔ Why preparation can significantly improve mediation outcomes

✔ The difference between a divorce mediator and a pre-mediation divorce coach

✔ How to manage emotions and avoid reacting during difficult conversations

✔ Why clarity before mediation leads to better long-term decisions

✔ How preparation supports healthier communication and more productive negotiations

✔ Why pre-mediation coaching is becoming an important part of alternative dispute resolution (ADR)

✔ How thoughtful preparation can benefit co-parenting and future family relationships

Tracy Callahan is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Divorce Coaches Academy® (DCA®), a leading training institute advancing divorce coaching as a recognized form of alternative dispute resolution consistent with principles endorsed by the American Bar Association.

She is also the Founder of Mediating-Matters, LLC, a family conflict resolution practice specializing in mediation, parenting coordination, and divorce-related decision support.

She is a frequent speaker, presenter, podcaster, and contributing author to the bestselling book Divorce: Taking the High Road. Tracy holds both her Bachelor's and Master's degrees from New York University and previously served as an adjunct professor.

Her work focuses on advancing divorce coaching as an essential early intervention that strengthens ADR outcomes, improves engagement, and reduces family conflict.

📧 Email:
[email protected]

Learn more about Divorce Coaches Academy®:
https://divorcecoachesacademy.com

Kimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Divorce Coach, and founder of Blossom Coaching. She helps individuals move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.

🌐 Learn more:
https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/

Schedule a complimentary conversation:
https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/

Divorce is a transition.

The more informed you are, the more clarity you have.

The more clarity you have, the more confident you feel.

The more confident you feel, the more courage you gain.

Because your marriage may have ended—

but your life is not over.

💛 Treat yourself with grace and space today.

#DivorceCoach #DivorceMediation #PreMediation #AlternativeDisputeResolution #DivorceSupport #CoParenting #ConflictResolution #DivorceRecovery #LifeAfterDivorce #DiscussionsWithADivorceCoach

✨ In This Episode You'll Learn:🌸 Meet This Week's Guest: Tracy Callahan, MA, ADRDC🌸 Connect with Tracy Callahan🌸 Connect with Kimberly LorahRemember...

(Part 3 of 4): Alternative Dispute Resolution Explained: Choosing the Best Path for Divorce and Co-ParentingIs there a better way to divorce than going to court?For many families, the answer is yes.Divorce doesn't have to be a battle. In fact, the process you choose can have a lasting impact on your stress level, your finances, your children, and your future co-parenting relationship.In this episode of Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 Minutes—fast, focused, and full of insight - Kimberly Lorah is joined by Anna-Maria Pittella, Esq., Family Law Attorney, Accredited Mediator, and Collaborative Divorce Practitioner, to explore the alternatives to traditional litigation.Together, they discuss how Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR)—including divorce mediation and collaborative divorce—can help families reduce conflict, improve communication, and make thoughtful decisions that support both parents and children long after the divorce is finalized.If you're considering divorce, preparing for mediation, or wondering which divorce process is right for your family, this episode will help you better understand your options before making one of the most important decisions of your divorce journey.🌿 In This Episode You'll Learn✔ The difference between litigation, mediation, collaborative divorce, and other Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) methods✔ Why the divorce process you choose matters just as much as the final agreement✔ How mediation and collaborative divorce can reduce conflict and improve communication✔ Why protecting your future co-parenting relationship benefits your children✔ How Alternative Dispute Resolution helps families create practical, long-term solutions✔ Why preparation and the right professional support can make all the difference👤 Meet Our GuestAnna-Maria Pittella, Esq. is a Family Law Attorney, Accredited Mediator, and Collaborative Divorce Practitioner with more than 50 years of experience helping families navigate separation with dignity and respect.Rather than focusing on litigation, Anna-Maria has dedicated her career to helping families resolve conflict through mediation, collaborative divorce, and other forms of Alternative Dispute Resolution. Her compassionate, family-centered approach empowers clients to make informed decisions while preserving respectful communication and creating healthier foundations for future co-parenting.Based in New Jersey, she is passionate about helping individuals understand their options so they can move forward with greater clarity and confidence.📞 Connect with Anna-Maria PittellaAnna-Maria Pittella, Attorney at Law🌐 https://www.pittellalaw.com/📞 732-842-6939📍55 Bridge AvenueRed Bank, NJ 07701🌸 More Divorce SupportIf you're preparing for mediation, collaborative divorce, or simply looking for guidance before making important decisions, visit:https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/Kimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Divorce Coach, and founder of Blossom Coaching. She helps individuals move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.Remember:Divorce is not just a legal event.It is a major life transition.The more informed you are...the more clarity you have.The more clarity you have...the more confident you feel.The more confident you feel...the more courage you gain.Because your marriage may have ended—but your life is not over. 💛📺 About This SeriesThis episode is Part 3 of our special 4-Part Divorce Mediation Series, where leading professionals answer the questions people ask most about mediation, financial preparation, collaborative divorce, family law, and making informed decisions during divorce.#DivorceMediation #CollaborativeDivorce #AlternativeDisputeResolution #FamilyLaw #CoParenting #DivorceSupport #DivorceCoach #DivorceRecovery #Mediation #LifeAfterDivorce #DiscussionsWithADivorceCoach

📺 This is Part 2 of our special 4-part Divorce Mediation Series, where leading professionals answer the most common questions about mediation, financial preparation, legal considerations, and building a stronger future after divorce.Financial Clarity in Mediation Explained: Preparing Today for Better Divorce Decisions TomorrowOne of the biggest mistakes people make during divorce isn't making the wrong decision...It's making important financial decisions before they fully understand their options.Should you keep the house?What happens to your retirement accounts?Will your settlement support the life you want after divorce?How do you know if an agreement is truly fair—not just today, but five or ten years from now?In this episode of Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 Minutes—fast, focused, and full of insight—Kimberly Lorah sits down with Justin Lotano, CDFA®, Founder of Shorepoint Divorce Solutions, to discuss why financial preparation before divorce mediation can make all the difference.Together, they explore how understanding your financial picture before negotiations begin can reduce uncertainty, minimize costly mistakes, and help you make decisions with greater confidence and long-term clarity.Because successful mediation isn't just about reaching an agreement—it's about understanding the agreement you're making.🌿 In This Episode You'll Learn✔ Why financial preparation before mediation matters✔ The biggest financial decisions people face during divorce✔ Why "equal" doesn't always mean "fair"✔ How to evaluate whether keeping the marital home makes financial sense✔ The role of a Certified Divorce Financial Analyst (CDFA®)✔ How financial clarity can reduce fear and conflict during mediation✔ Why understanding your options leads to better long-term outcomes👤 Meet Our GuestJustin Lotano, CDFA® is the founder of Shorepoint Divorce Solutions, where he helps individuals navigate the financial complexities of divorce with clarity, structure, and confidence.For more than a decade, Justin has specialized in helping people understand the financial implications of divorce before, during, and after the divorce process. His work focuses on helping clients organize financial information, evaluate settlement options, understand post-divorce cash flow, make informed housing decisions, and build a strong financial foundation for the future.Justin's unique perspective comes from years of helping clients not only negotiate divorce settlements but also successfully transition into life after divorce—giving him valuable insight into which financial decisions create long-term stability.📞 Connect with Justin Lotano🌐 Shorepoint Divorce Solutionshttps://shorepointwealthmanagement.com📧 [email protected]📞 Office: 732-889-8607📍265 Route 34, 2nd FloorColts Neck, NJ 07722🌸 More Divorce SupportIf you're preparing for divorce or mediation and would like guidance before making life-changing decisions, visit:https://kimberlylorahcoaching.comKimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Divorce Coach who helps individuals move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.Because divorce is not just a legal event...It is a major life transition.The more informed you are...the more clarity you have.The more clarity you have...the more confident you feel.And the more confident you feel...the more courage you gain.Your marriage may have ended—but your life is not over.

(Part 1 of 4): The Divorce Mediation Process Explained: Why the Divorce Process You Choose MattersWhat actually happens during divorce mediation?If you're considering divorce, you've probably heard the term mediation. But what does the process really look like? What happens during the first meeting? Who makes the decisions? And is mediation the right choice for your situation?In this episode of Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 Minutes, Kimberly Lorah is joined by Jann Catto, Divorce Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst®, and owner of TLC Mediation, LLC, to provide an insider's view of the divorce mediation process.Together, they walk through what to expect during mediation, how conversations are facilitated, and why the process you choose can significantly impact your divorce experience, your stress level, and your future.If the unknown is what's making divorce feel overwhelming, this conversation will help you better understand your options and approach the process with greater clarity and confidence.✨ In This Episode You'll Learn:• What divorce mediation actually is• What happens during a typical mediation session• How decisions are made during mediation• What role the mediator plays• How mediation differs from traditional divorce litigation• Why the divorce process you choose matters• How mediation helps reduce conflict and improve communication• How couples stay actively involved in shaping their own agreements🌸 Meet Our GuestJann Bate Catto is a Divorce Mediator, Certified Divorce Financial Analyst® (CDFA®), therapist, and owner of TLC Financial, LLC and TLC Mediation, LLC.Drawing from decades of experience—as well as her own personal journey through divorce—Jann helps couples navigate divorce with compassion, thoughtful communication, financial clarity, and practical problem-solving. Her unique background allows her to address both the emotional and financial aspects of divorce while helping families create balanced, sustainable agreements.Jann holds a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Pennsylvania and is an active member of the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators and the Institute for Divorce Financial Analysts.🌸 Connect with Jann Catto🌐 Website:https://tlcmediation.com/📧 Email:[email protected]📞 Phone:732-268-8178🌸 More SupportIf you're navigating divorce and looking for guidance beyond the legal process, visit:https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/Kimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Certified Divorce Coach who helps individuals move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.Divorce is a transition.The more informed you are, the more clarity you have.The more clarity you have, the more confident you feel.The more confident you feel, the more courage you gain.Because your marriage may have ended......but your life is not over. 💛#DivorceMediation #DivorceProcess #DivorceSupport #DivorceCoach #CertifiedDivorceFinancialAnalyst #Mediation #LifeAfterDivorce #CollaborativeDivorce #DivorceRecovery #DiscussionsWithADivorceCoach

🎥 Welcome to Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 Minutes

Have you ever walked away from a conversation thinking:

"What just happened?"

"Am I overreacting?"

"Why do I suddenly feel confused, guilty, or emotionally drained?"

Sometimes communication isn't just difficult—it can be manipulative, unhealthy, or even abusive.

In this episode, Kimberly Lorah sits down with Anne Wintemute to discuss Aimee Says, an AI-powered companion designed to help individuals recognize unhealthy communication patterns, document experiences, organize important information, and gain greater clarity during difficult relationship dynamics.

Together, they explore how tools like Aimee Says can help people navigating divorce, co-parenting challenges, high-conflict relationships, emotional abuse, and coercive control better understand what they're experiencing and respond with greater confidence and self-trust.

Because when communication leaves you questioning yourself, clarity matters.

• How to recognize unhealthy and abusive communication patterns

• Why difficult communication can leave you doubting yourself

• The benefits of documenting interactions and experiences

• How Aimee Says helps users organize information and identify patterns

• Why privacy matters when seeking support

• Ways to communicate with more confidence and intention

• How gaining clarity can help you rebuild self-trust during and after divorce

If something feels confusing, overwhelming, or causes you to question yourself, there is value in slowing down and getting support to better understand what's happening.

When you begin to see things more clearly, you can start to respond differently—with more intention, more confidence, and more courage.

Because divorce is a life transition.

The more informed you are, the more clarity you have.

The more clarity you have, the more confident you feel.

The more confident you feel, the more courage you gain.

🌸 Learn More About Aimee Says

Website:
https://www.aimeesays.com

Referral Link / Coupon Code:
[INSERT REFERRAL LINK OR CODE]

🌸 Resources & Support

Learn more about divorce coaching and support:
https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/

Schedule a complimentary conversation:
https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/

🌸 Connect with Kimberly Lorah

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/blossomcoachingllc/

LinkedIn Newsletter – Navigating Divorce

Watch more episodes of Discussions with a Divorce Coach:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVZnPaxhercAZIxdVzGouSsCbiu64s4d

✨ About Anne Wintemute

Anne Wintemute is the creator of Aimee Says, an AI-powered tool designed to help individuals navigate unhealthy relationship dynamics by providing a safe space to process experiences, recognize patterns, document interactions, and organize important information.

Aimee Says helps users gain clarity, confidence, and support while navigating difficult communication, emotional abuse, coercive control, and other challenging relationship situations.

✨ About Kimberly Lorah

Kimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Divorce Coach, and founder of Blossom Coaching. She helps individuals move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Because your marriage may have ended—

but your life is not over.

Treat yourself with grace and space today. 💛

#DivorceSupport #EmotionalAbuse #CoerciveControl #HighConflictDivorce #DivorceRecovery #DivorceCoach #MentalHealth #AimeeSays #RelationshipAbuse #LifeTransitions

In this episode, you'll learn:

🎥 Welcome to Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 Minutes

Why is it so hard to trust yourself during divorce?

For many people, divorce brings more than legal and financial decisions. It can shake your confidence, leave you second-guessing yourself, and make even simple choices feel overwhelming.

In this episode, Kimberly Lorah sits down with Becky Sampson, Divorce Strategist for Women, to explore why self-doubt becomes so common during divorce—and how to begin rebuilding self-trust.

Together, they discuss the emotional patterns that keep people stuck, how to stop second-guessing yourself, and practical ways to move forward with greater clarity, confidence, and empowerment.

Because divorce is a life transition.

And learning to trust yourself again may be one of the most important parts of the journey.

• Why self-doubt becomes so common during divorce
• What causes people to second-guess themselves
• How old patterns can impact decision-making
• Practical ways to rebuild self-trust
• How to advocate for yourself with greater confidence
• Why empowerment starts before you have all the answers
• How to move forward even when the future feels uncertain

Through short, focused conversations with trusted professionals, this series is designed to help you reduce chaos and better understand your options during divorce.

Because when you understand your options, you gain clarity.

When you gain clarity, you build confidence.

And when you build confidence, you move forward with courage.

🌸 Connect with Becky Sampson

Website:
https://beckysampson.com

🌸 Resources & Support

Learn more about coaching and support:
https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/

Schedule a complimentary conversation:
https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/

🌸 Connect with Kimberly Lorah

Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/blossomcoachingllc/

LinkedIn Newsletter – Navigating Divorce:
https://www.linkedin.com/newsletters/navigating-divorce-7312540238868852737/

Watch more episodes of Discussions with a Divorce Coach:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVZnPaxhercAZIxdVzGouSsCbiu64s4d

✨ About Becky Sampson

Becky Sampson is a Divorce Coach and Strategist who helps women navigate divorce through empowerment. After representing herself through a complex, multi-year divorce, she gained firsthand insight into both the emotional and practical challenges of the process.

She is also the founder of Only Subpoenas™, a nationwide legal support service, giving her a unique perspective on the legal side of divorce. Today, she helps women rebuild self-trust, understand their options, advocate for themselves, and move forward with greater confidence and clarity.

✨ About Kimberly Lorah

Kimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Divorce Coach, and founder of Blossom Coaching, where she helps individuals move through divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.

Because your marriage may have ended —

but your life is not over.

In this episode, you'll learn:

🎥 Welcome to Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 MinutesCo-parenting after divorce isn't always easy.When emotions are still high, communication is strained, and every interaction feels stressful, it can be difficult to know how to move forward in a way that supports both you and your children.In this episode, Kimberly Lorah sits down with Therapist, Divorce Coach, and Co-Parenting Expert Jill Kaufman to discuss how parents can reduce conflict, improve communication, and create a healthier co-parenting relationship after divorce.Because while your marriage may be ending, your parenting partnership continues.And your children deserve the healthiest environment possible.In this episode, you'll learn:• Why co-parenting can feel so challenging after divorce• Common mistakes that increase conflict between co-parents• Practical strategies to improve communication• How to stay focused on your children's needs during difficult moments• Ways to reduce tension and create greater stability for your family• How to navigate co-parenting with more confidence and less stressThrough short, focused conversations with trusted professionals, this series is designed to help you reduce chaos and better understand your options during divorce.Because when you understand your options, you gain clarity.When you gain clarity, you build confidence.And when you build confidence, you move forward with courage.🌸 Connect with Jill KaufmanWebsite:http://www.divorcecoachjill.comDivorce Network Pro:http://www.divorcenetworkpro.com🌸 Resources & SupportLearn more about coaching and support:https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/🌸 Connect with Kimberly LorahInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/blossomcoachingllc/Watch more episodes of Discussions with a Divorce Coach:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVZnPaxhercAZIxdVzGouSsCbiu64s4d✨ About Jill KaufmanJill Kaufman is a Therapist, Divorce Coach, and Co-Parenting Expert. After experiencing her own difficult divorce, she made it her mission to help others navigate the process with less overwhelm, less conflict, and more confidence.Through her book, online course, and transformational group coaching program, Jill helps parents manage both the emotional and practical challenges of divorce while creating healthier outcomes for themselves and their children.She is also the co-founder of Divorce Network Pro, a directory of divorce professionals committed to a low-conflict, family-focused approach to divorce.✨ About Kimberly LorahKimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Divorce Coach, and founder of Blossom Coaching. She helps individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.Because your marriage may have ended —but your life is not over.

🎥 Welcome to *Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 Minutes*Does divorce always have to end up in court?In this episode, Kimberly Lorah sits down with divorce mediator Anju Jessani to talk about mediation — a more peaceful, cost-effective alternative to traditional divorce litigation.Together, they explore how mediation helps couples stay in control of their decisions, reduce conflict, and work toward solutions that better support their future and their family.Because divorce is a life transition.And how you move through it matters.---### In this episode, you’ll learn:• What divorce mediation is and how it works• The difference between mediation and litigation• When mediation may be the right option• How mediation can reduce conflict and stress• Why staying out of court can save time, money, and emotional energy• How mediation supports more thoughtful, family-focused outcomes---Through short, focused conversations with trusted professionals, this series is designed to help you reduce chaos and better understand your options during divorce.Because when you understand your options, you gain clarity.When you gain clarity, you build confidence.And when you build confidence, you move forward with courage.--- 🌸 Connect with Anju JessaniDivorce with Dignity Mediation Services[http://www.dwdmediation.org](http://www.dwdmediation.org)Anju has offices in both Clinton and Hoboken, New Jersey and serves clients throughout New Jersey via Zoom.--- 🌸 Resources & SupportLearn more about coaching and support:[https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/](https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/)--- 🌸 Connect with Kimberly LorahInstagram:[https://www.instagram.com/blossomcoachingllc/](https://www.instagram.com/blossomcoachingllc/)Watch more episodes of *Discussions with a Divorce Coach*:[https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVZnPaxhercAZIxdVzGouSsCbiu64s4d](https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVZnPaxhercAZIxdVzGouSsCbiu64s4d)--- ✨ About Anju JessaniAnju D. Jessani, MBA, APM is the founder of Divorce with Dignity Mediation Services, established in 1997. A highly experienced divorce mediator, she brings a strong background in financial services, including leadership roles at JP Morgan, Chase Manhattan Bank, and Price Waterhouse.She is an Accredited Professional Mediator through the New Jersey Association of Professional Mediators and an Advanced Practitioner Member of the Association for Conflict Resolution. Anju is also a court-approved divorce mediator in New Jersey and is widely respected for helping couples navigate divorce in a more thoughtful, efficient, and family-focused way.---✨ About Kimberly LorahKimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Divorce Coach, and founder of Blossom Coaching. She helps individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.Because your marriage may have ended —but your life is not over.

🎥 Welcome to Discussions with a Divorce Coach: 5 Questions in 15 MinutesWhat if one of the most important forms of support during divorce…is the one most people don’t even realize exists?In this episode, Kimberly Lorah sits down with fellow Certified Divorce Coach Julie Desmond to talk about divorce coaching — what it is, why it matters, and how it helps people navigate the emotional and mental weight of divorce, not just the legal process.Because while many people have attorneys or financial professionals guiding certain parts of divorce, they’re often left carrying the overwhelm, second-guessing, emotional exhaustion, and constant decision-making on their own.Divorce is a life transition.And having the right support can help you move through it with greater clarity, steadiness, and confidence.In this episode, you’ll learn:• What divorce coaching is and how it works• How divorce coaching differs from therapy or legal support• Why emotional support matters during divorce• How coaching can reduce overwhelm and decision fatigue• What it means to feel more grounded during the process• How support can help you move forward with greater intention and confidenceThrough short, focused conversations with trusted professionals, this series is designed to help you reduce chaos and better understand your options during divorce.Because when you understand your options, you gain clarity.When you gain clarity, you build confidence.And when you build confidence, you move forward with courage.🌸 Resources & SupportLearn more about coaching and support:https://kimberlylorahcoaching.com/🌸 Connect with Kimberly LorahInstagram:https://www.instagram.com/blossomcoachingllc/Watch more episodes of Discussions with a Divorce Coach:https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJVZnPaxhercAZIxdVzGouSsCbiu64s4d✨ About Kimberly LorahKimberly Lorah is a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Divorce Coach, and founder of Blossom Coaching. She helps individuals navigate divorce with clarity, confidence, and courage.Because your marriage may have ended —but your life is not over.

What happens to the house during divorce?

In this episode, Kimberly Lorah sits down with Certified Divorce Real Estate Expert Rhea Goldsmith to talk about one of the biggest emotional and financial decisions people face during divorce.

Together, they discuss options for the marital home, common mistakes, and how to make informed decisions with greater clarity and confidence.

Because divorce is a life transition — and the choices you make now shape what comes next.