The 4 Skills That Help Families Manage High-Conflict Divorce

Episode Summary: In this episode of Bridging the Gap: Law, Therapy and Justice, host Caitlin Burgess, a licensed marriage and family therapist and attorney, is joined by Bill Eddy, a clinical social worker, attorney, and co-founder of the High Conflict Institute. They delve into practical skills for managing high conflict family law situations, focusing on reducing the impact on children. Bill introduces the New Ways for Families approach, which addresses unmanaged emotions, all-or-nothing thinking, extreme behaviors, and blame preoccupation. The discussion highlights techniques like taking breaks, using affirmations, and employing the BIF (Brief, Informative, Friendly, Firm) method for communication. The episode provides valuable insights for parents and professionals in family law and mental health, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness and flexible thinking to create better outcomes for children. Key Timestamps: 00:01 – Introduction 00:29 – Guest Introduction: Bill Eddy 01:26 – Stopping the Conflict Cycle 01:55 – New Ways for Families Approach 02:38 – Managing Emotions 03:42 – Preoccupation with Blame 05:13 – Practical Skills for Parents 07:01 – Neutral Support Systems 08:00 – Flexible Thinking 10:00 – Moderate Behavior with BIF 11:39 – BIF Model in Practice 13:17 – Importance of Self-Checking 14:14 – Impact on Children 17:07 – Incorporating Skills in Professional Practice About the Show: Bridging the Gap: Law, Therapy and Justice explores the intersection of law, therapy, and forensic practice in high conflict family law cases. Hosted by Caitlin Burgess, a licensed marriage and family therapist and attorney, the podcast provides listeners with insights into managing complex family dynamics. Each episode features discussions with experts who share practical strategies and approaches to help families navigate legal and emotional challenges. The show aims to equip listeners with the knowledge to improve family interactions and outcomes, fostering a deeper understanding of the legal and therapeutic aspects of family law.