Five Strategies for Combating Burnout in the Life of a Divorce Coach

In the realm of divorce professionals, burnout is an ever-present concern. Lisa Morgillo, in her article titled “Do Not Make their Trauma Your Trauma: Coping with Burnout as a Family Law Attorney” published in the Family Court Review on July 14, 2015, highlights the following key points for Family Court practitioners:

• Burnout is a significant issue for family law attorneys.
• The distinctive nature of family law, revolving around relationships and emotions, exposes family law attorneys to a higher risk of experiencing secondary trauma compared to other legal domains.

The American Bar Association has also addressed burnout extensively. In one article, burnout is described as “an emotional, cognitive, and physical response to prolonged negative stress. While stress may evoke feelings of worry, burnout leaves one feeling defeated or depressed.” This extends beyond attorneys to encompass any advisor, counselor, or therapist engaging daily with individuals and couples in the divorce process.

Here are five questions aimed at helping divorce coaches combat burnout, with two options provided for each scenario:

1. Assessing the Environment: Are you alone in experiencing burnout? Are you surprised by the lack of initiative from others to address it?
   • YES: Seek out a community where members actively seek positive change and support one another.
   • NO: Collaborate with family, friends, or colleagues to implement changes fostering a healthier environment for all.
2. Intentional Focus Shifting: Do you deliberately take breaks to clear your mind and reignite enthusiasm?
   • YES: Set timers to change your surroundings, go for walks, immerse yourself in nature, and utilize vacation days to rejuvenate. Consider requesting a more flexible work schedule.
   • NO: Establish boundaries to protect yourself from burnout in an environment that may discourage breaks. Engage in rewarding activities outside of work to stimulate different parts of your brain.
3. Balancing Responsibilities: Do you find yourself too busy to cultivate healthy habits?
   • YES: Prioritize self-care, focus on strengths and values, and establish practices that promote personal well-being.
   • NO: Congratulations on maintaining a balance between work and family life. Continue pursuing activities that challenge and fulfill you in various ways.
4. Seeking Fulfillment: Can you identify meaningful pursuits to dedicate more time to?
   • YES: Engage in discussions with others to explore opportunities that align with your values and contribute to your personal and community fulfillment.
   • NO: Redirect your time and energy towards endeavors that replenish rather than deplete your resources, ensuring you have reserves for resilience.
5. Exploring Alternatives: Have you exhausted all avenues in addressing burnout?
   • YES: Consider exploring new professional avenues where your experience is valued without subjecting you to overwhelming stress. Seek roles that align better with your strengths and aspirations.
   • NO: Revisit the previous questions and consider seeking coaching to explore new perspectives and strategies for achieving a healthier work-life balance.

Incorporating these strategies can significantly alleviate burnout. However, focusing on a sense of purpose is paramount. To echo Margie Warrell’s article in Forbes, “Do You Know Your ‘Why?‘”, understanding one’s purpose is crucial for navigating challenges and creating a fulfilling life.

We invite you to discover OUR WHY: transforming the divorce experience for individuals and families through certified divorce coaching. For further insights, you may find our LinkedIn article “Find More Balance and Fulfillment in your Work in Divorce” of interest.

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