Divorce without the courtroom

The end of a marriage does not have to be a battle. Collaborative divorce keeps what matters most at the center, so you can get through this with your family, your finances, and your needs aligned.

How collaborative divorce works

You and your spouse each have your own attorney, your own mental health coach, and one neutral financial specialist. Everyone signs an agreement to settle outside of court, so the work happens around the table instead of across it, with a team whose job is to find an outcome you can both live with.

What does a divorce coach do?

A collaborative divorce coach is a licensed mental health professional who helps you manage the emotional side of divorce so you can make clear decisions. Divorce brings up anger, grief, fear, and old patterns that can derail a negotiation in minutes. My job is to help you stay steady so the legal and financial work can move forward.

  • Preparing for team meetings so you can say what matters and hear what is said

  • Managing anger, grief, and anxiety when emotions run high

  • Recognizing the patterns from your marriage that show up at the table

  • Building a coparenting plan that keeps your children at the center

  • Working alongside your attorneys and financial specialist as one team


Dr. O'Dowd takes notes with a client

Why you should work with me

  • I am a licensed clinical psychologist (PSY 35468) with clinical training and years in corporate and organizational roles. That mix means I understand what divorce puts at risk: your children, your career, your money, and your footing.

  • I worked at a family law firm early on and grew up in a family of family law attorneys, so the legal side has never been foreign to me.

  • I have also been through a collaborative divorce myself and have coparented for years since. I know what it feels like to sit at that table, and I know how much it helps to have someone in your corner who understands the emotional side of the process.

  • I completed interdisciplinary collaborative divorce training and belong to Collaborative Practice San Diego, Collaborative Practice California, and the International Academy of Collaborative Professionals. Through those memberships I train and consult regularly with the attorneys, financial specialists, and coaches doing this work across California, which keeps my practice current and keeps me connected to the people your case may depend on.

How we work together

To begin...

We start with a free 15 minute call. If we are a fit, we meet individually before your first team meeting so you know what to expect and have a plan for the hard moments. From there we meet as often as the process requires, and I stay in contact with the rest of your team between meetings.


Rates and meeting formats

After the initial 15-minute consultation, my hourly rate is $250. A fair minimum retainer is collected once the scope of work is discussed. Collaborative divorce coaching is not covered by insurance. I meet clients virtually throughout California and in person in Los Angeles County, including Redondo Beach, Torrance, Palos Verdes, Hermosa Beach, and Manhattan Beach, and in San Diego County.


For attorneys and financial professionals

I take coaching referrals from collaborative attorneys and financial specialists across California and can work as a one-coach or two-coach model, whichever your team prefers. I am available for team meetings virtually or in person. To refer a client or talk through a case, call or text 310.853.2557, or use the contact form.


More frequently asked questions

  • Either model works. Some teams use one neutral coach for both spouses, and some give each spouse their own coach. Your team will help you decide.


  • Coaching is short term and focused on the divorce process. If you want ongoing therapy, I can refer you or we can talk about the options.

  • Not necessarily. Some clients start with a coach and then choose attorneys. If you do not have a collaborative attorney yet, I can point you to different practice groups that can meet your needs.


  • Collaborative divorce requires both spouses to agree to the process. If your spouse is not willing, coaching can still help you prepare for mediation or manage a litigated divorce.

“Why not create this settlement climate deliberately?”

-Stu Webb, founder of Collaborative Divorce

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