"What makes a great divorce professional great?" This clear, accessible how-to guide answers that question through a rich blend of theory, true-to-life vignettes, and practical techniques. Author Kate Scharff, MSW, and Lisa Herrick, PhD, start with the notion that divorce is best viewed not as a failure, but as a developmental crisis in the life of a couple. They then explore our roles as helping professionals, and provide a clear roadmap for supporting clients in reaching durable agreements under conditions of stress.

Whether you're a seasoned veteran or new to the field, whether you're an attorney, mental health professional, financial expert or allied professional, you'll find fresh perspectives on familiar concepts, surprising new ideas, group and individual "exercises" for ongoing learning, and a trove of tools to add to your professional toolbox.

Topics covered include:

• Divorce as a developmental experience


• The human relationship to change (and why it matters)


• How to provide the conditions under which clients (and the rest of us) can change


• The professional 'Container'-- What it is and how to create and sustain it


• The importance of self-awareness and mindfulness in our work


• "What to Do, What to Say?"--Factors to consider in the moment


• The essence of good technique