Alena Hutchinson, LFMT (Mental Health Professional)

General Comments

Divorce is the external, legal manifestation of an internal, psychological process that can be overwhelming, chaotic and alternatively exhilarating and devastating. As with any major life transition, the period between the initiation of a divorce and its resolution is often one of confusion and grief, as you mourn losses, struggle to contain chaos, are revisited by old insecurities, watch social networks teeter, encounter unexpected opportunities for personal growth (as an individual and as a parent), and forge a new identity and a new life. My goal as your Collaborative Practice Coach will be to • Serve as your guide to the Transition process, a psychological process with predictable challenges and milestones; • Help you to gain clarity regarding your highest priorities and goals for the future; • Prepare you for negotiations by coaching you in relevant communication; negotiation, anxiety-management and power dynamic-management techniques; • Communicate effectively with your Collaborative Practice attorney and help to manage the group dynamics in the creation and functioning of your Collaborative Practice team; • Enhance your ability to create both a legal arrangement and a co-parenting relationship that will serve your family well for years to come. Throughout my practice and training as a psychotherapist (since 1991), I have specialized in separation and divorce issues and other Major Life Transitions (including eight years facilitating separation/divorce groups). Prior to that time, I spent ten years as a corporate attorney and briefly worked as a family law paralegal (an experience which facilitates my communication with the Collaborative Practice attorneys and my understanding of the legal aspects and language of the divorce process). As a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in San Francisco and the East Bay (licensed since 1995), I specialize in working with high conflict couples and helping clients to manage difficult and controlling people and interactions, anxiety and stress and adult AD/HD. I have also had extensive training in life coaching techniques and am a certified mediator and, since 2007, a member of the International Association of Collaborative Professionals and Collaborative Practice East Bay.