When Your Child Starts Turning Against You After Divorce, the emotional pain can be devastating. You may find yourself wondering why a child who once loved spending time with you suddenly refuses to visit, pulls away, or seems to believe everything negative they hear about you. Could this be parental alienation?

In this episode of The Better Divorce Podcast, host Paulette Rigo sits down with Dr. Lynn Steinberg, a family therapist with more than 50 years of experience working with children and families, to explore parental alienation after divorce, its warning signs, and the lasting impact it can have on parent-child relationships.

Parental alienation is a complex and deeply painful issue, particularly in high-conflict divorce situations. Dr. Steinberg explains how children can become caught in loyalty conflicts, how one parent may influence a child's relationship with the other parent, and why early intervention matters. The conversation also explores the difference between ordinary parent-child conflict and more serious patterns of rejection, emphasizing the importance of understanding what a child is experiencing before jumping to conclusions.

Whether you are a parent experiencing rejection from your child, navigating a high-conflict divorce, or trying to protect your children's emotional well-being, this conversation offers important insights into recognizing concerning patterns and finding appropriate professional support.

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU'LL DISCOVER

• Early warning signs of parental alienation after divorce and how children may begin carrying adult conflict.

• Why some children suddenly reject a parent they once loved.

• How loyalty conflicts can make children feel they must choose between Mom and Dad.

• The difference between normal post-divorce adjustments and more serious parent-child relationship ruptures.

• How manipulation, negative comments, and emotional pressure can affect a child's relationship with a parent.

• Why documentation and recognizing behavioral patterns can matter in high-conflict divorce cases.

• Why specialized training in parental alienation may be important when choosing a family therapist.

• How parents can respond with patience, empathy, and emotional availability when a child begins pulling away.

• The importance of appropriate professional assessment, family intervention, and informed legal support.

• Practical considerations for protecting your relationship with your children throughout and after divorce.

ABOUT DR. LYNN STEINBERG

Dr. Lynn Steinberg is a family therapist with more than five decades of experience working with children and families. Her professional work includes consultation, assessment, and intervention planning in cases involving high-conflict divorce and disrupted parent-child relationships. She is also the author of You're Not Crazy, which addresses the experiences of parents affected by parental alienation.

Website: https://linsteinberg.com

ABOUT THE BETTER DIVORCE PODCAST

The Better Divorce Podcast, hosted by Paulette Rigo, explores the emotional, practical, and family challenges of divorce. Through expert conversations and real-world insights, the podcast helps parents navigate divorce with greater clarity, less conflict, and a stronger focus on their children's well-being.

EXPLORE BETTER DIVORCE ACADEMY

Website: https://betterdivorceacademy.com

Discover resources and support to help you navigate divorce with more confidence, clarity, and a healthier path forward.

If this episode resonates with you, share it with a parent who may need to hear this conversation. Subscribe to The Better Divorce Podcast for more expert insights on high-conflict divorce, co-parenting, family relationships, and building a better future after divorce.

#ParentalAlienation #HighConflictDivorce #BetterDivorce

You can know that leaving your marriage was the right decision and still feel heartbroken. ❤️ But why does divorce still hurt, even when you know it was necessary?

Divorce is more than the end of a marriage. It's the loss of the future you imagined, the identity you built, and the life you thought you would have.

In this episode of The Better Divorce Podcast, host Pette Rigo welcomes Chel Cartmill, Next Chapter Transition Specialist and Certified Trauma-Informed Master Coach, for an honest conversation about divorce grief, emotional healing, betrayal, and rebuilding your life after a difficult relationship.

Together, they explore why divorce can feel like a death, why healing doesn't follow a predictable timeline, and how to process difficult emotions without rushing yourself to move on.

IN THIS EPISODE, WE DISCUSS:

Why divorce can feel like losing someone to death.

What ambiguous loss means and why it makes moving on difficult.

Why you can miss someone even when leaving was the right decision.

How to process grief without judging yourself.

Why staying busy can prevent emotional healing.

How journaling, breathwork, yoga, and somatic practices support emotional recovery.

How to reconnect with your intuition and rebuild self-trust after betrayal.

Why you don't need closure from your ex to move forward.

How to rediscover your identity and create a fulfilling next chapter.

ABOUT THE GUEST: CHEL CARTMILL

Chel Cartmill is a Next Chapter Transition Specialist and Certified Trauma-Informed Master Coach who has been helping people navigate divorce, grief, broken relationships, and major life transitions since 2007.

She shares practical insights on emotional regulation, breathwork, embodiment, self-trust, and learning to move forward after painful life experiences.

ABOUT BETTER DIVORCE ACADEMY

Better Divorce Academy provides compassionate guidance, divorce coaching, preparation, and resources to help individuals navigate divorce with greater clarity, confidence, and informed decisions.

Explore Better Divorce Academy:

https://betterdivorceacademy.com

JOIN THE CONVERSATION

Have you ever felt that leaving a relationship was the right decision, but emotionally, you were still grieving? Share your thoughts in the comments.

Subscribe to The Better Divorce Podcast for more conversations about divorce recovery, emotional healing, healthy relationships, and building a better next chapter.

#DivorceGrief #DivorceRecovery #HealingAfterDivorce #LifeAfterDivorce #EmotionalHealing #BetterDivorceAcademy #DivorceSupport #StartingOverAfterDivorce #DivorceHealing #MovingOnAfterDivorce

What if the key to finding clarity in your life is learning to trust yourself again? 💜After major life changes like divorce, it can be difficult to reconnect with who you are, understand what you truly want, and feel confident in your decisions.In this episode of the Better Divorce Podcast, Plet Rigo, founder of Better Divorce Academy, talks with Cindy Anderson, also known as Seer, founder of Soul Epiphany. Together, they explore intuition, spiritual guidance, self-trust, and how challenging life experiences can become opportunities for personal growth.Cindy shares her perspective on connecting with your inner guidance, becoming more mindful, and finding grounding in everyday life. Whether you're navigating divorce, rebuilding your identity, or simply looking for more clarity, this conversation offers ideas to help you reconnect with yourself.✨ IN THIS EPISODE:- How to rebuild self-trust when life feels uncertain- The connection between intuition and confident decision-making- How to reconnect with yourself after divorce- Ways to find grounding through mindfulness and nature- How to view difficult experiences as opportunities for growthRemember, your journey is your own. You can explore guidance and new perspectives while still taking responsibility for your choices.💜 EXPLORE BETTER DIVORCE ACADEMY RESOURCESSIGN UP FOR THE BETTER DIVORCE BLUEPRINT PROGRAM:https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdbBETTER DIVORCE ACADEMYCertified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services:https://betterdivorceacademy.com/BUY THE BETTER DIVORCE BLUEPRINT BOOK & WORKBOOK:https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/RESOURCES, BOOK, WORKBOOK & AUDIOBOOK:https://betterdivorceacademy.com/resources/SOCIAL MEDIA:https://bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy#divorce #selftrust #intuition #personalgrowth #divorcerecovery #selfdiscovery #spiritualgrowth #emotionalhealing #divorcejourney #betterdivorceacademy

Summary:

In this episode, Paulette Rigo interviews Betsy Pake about the emotional and decision-making aspects of divorce, introducing her Navigate Method to help women gain clarity and confidence before making life-changing choices.

About Betsy:

Betsy Pake is a certified master coach, speaker, and writer. For over 12 years, helping women uproot unconscious patterns, expand their potential, and design change has devotedly been her mission. And in working with a breadth of women from all walks of life, she found herself and her clients facing many of the same challenges, grappling with “the big questions” that come with nuanced marriage dynamics. Her commitment to digging deep and going inward alongside her clients has earned her a skillset that only experience can buy, and she uses it to help women live better, brighter, and bigger.

Armed with a career full of insights and her own lived experience, Betsy developed a world class resource widely applicable and wildly helpful to women in need of a new pathway in (or out of) their marriage: the Navigate Method.

[divorce, identity, rebuilding, mindset, body, positivity, resilience, women, self-discovery, personal growth]

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdb

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...

Summary:

In this episode, Paulette Rigo interviews Sass Schaefer about rebuilding identity after major life disruptions like divorce. They explore the importance of starting with the body, embracing beginner's mindset, and practical steps for recovery and growth.

Key topics:

• The importance of starting with the physical body in rebuilding identity
• Embracing the beginner's mindset after life disruptions
• Practical daily actions to foster positivity and self-confidence
• The connection between body, breath, and mindset
• The power of small, consistent reps in personal growth
• How highly successful women often hide their struggles behind a facade
• The significance of posture and breath in emotional regulation
• The concept of positivity as a discipline, not a personality trait
• The importance of letting go of attachment to specific outcomes
• Building a new identity without needing to have everything figured out

About Sass:

Sass is a Registered Dietitian, Certified Personal Trainer, and MBA who's spent her career helping women rebuild their identity after major life disruption. She's the creator of Baddie Rebuild, an identity coaching program for women who've lost themselves somewhere between the divorce, the diagnosis, the move, or the moment everything changed — built on three pillars: physical foundation, mindset and identity, and relationships and expression. She's also the founder of Team Positive™, an athletic lifestyle brand built on the belief that positivity is a discipline, not a personality trait. With a background in stand-up comedy and Golden Gloves boxing, Sass brings humor, grit, and zero fluff to the identity work she does with clients.

[divorce, identity, rebuilding, mindset, body, positivity, resilience, women, self-discovery, personal growth]

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdb

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...

Summary:

In this episode, Paulette Rigo interviews Marcelle LeBlanc about the importance of having honest conversations during divorce, how to overcome fear and silence, and practical steps to gain clarity and trust in oneself.

About Marcelle:

Marcelle LeBlanc is an entrepreneur, speaker, and founder of The Conversation Architect. After surviving an unhealthy marriage, infidelity, and a difficult divorce, she discovered a powerful truth: one honest conversation can save a woman years of confusion, loneliness, and misalignment. Through her work, Marcelle teaches women the skill of having difficult conversations so they can gain clarity, trust themselves, and make decisions that align with the life they truly want. She is also the founder of a successful multi-location retail business and a former President of Entrepreneurs' Organization Fort Worth.

Resources:

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdbWEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademyBuy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport

Summary:

In this episode, Clay shares his personal journey through divorce, the lessons learned, and how it can be a beginning rather than an end. Discover insights on communication, healing, and creating a better future after breakup.

About Clay:

Clay Schmitz is an author, filmmaker, coach, and lifelong student of personal growth, relationships, and healing. After navigating multiple divorces, long-term relationships, and the heartbreak that followed, he wrote Breakup Is the Beginning to help others transform loss into growth, self-discovery, and deeper love. Through his writing, coaching, and media work, Clay explores emotional healing, conscious relationships, purpose, and what it means to live with authenticity and integrity. His mission is simple: to help people rebuild community, heal their hearts, awaken their purpose, and create lives they genuinely love.

Resources:

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdb

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...

#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport

Summary:

In this episode, Paulette Rigo interviews Tunji Ajigbeda about the importance of financial literacy, managing money during divorce, and building a healthy financial future. They explore practical strategies, mental models, and the emotional aspects of money to help listeners improve their financial health and relationships.

About Tunji:

I'd like to introduce you to a man who technically retired… and then immediately decided to keep working anyway. Not because he has to – but because he genuinely loves helping people achieve their dreams. He helps people get out of debt, build financial confidence, and create long-term habits that stick. He saw a gap in our society: nobody really teaches us how to budget, save, create passive income, or build financial freedom. So he made it his mission to help fill that gap. And he practices what he preaches. He often will run scenarios on himself first before pitching a strategy to a client because he wants them to be prepared for success, not surprised. He has over 20 years of expertise. He is certified as a ProAdvisor by Intuit for QuickBooks Online. He’s also a member of the American Association of Daily Money Managers — a professional organization helping businesses and individuals with day-to-day financial tasks with trust and integrity. I give you Tunji Ajigbeda with Moneycopilot, LLC.

Resources:

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdb

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...

#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport

Summary:

In this episode, Donna Jean Kendrick shares her heartfelt journey from personal tragedy to becoming a financial planning expert specializing in supporting individuals through divorce and widowhood. Discover practical tools, insights on asset management, and emotional resilience strategies to navigate life's transitions with confidence.

Key Topics:

• Donna Kendrick's personal journey from loss to financial expert.
• The importance of financial organization during divorce.
• How to assess and manage assets and debts in divorce.
• Emotional resilience and mental health in life transitions.
• The role of a financial planner and questions to ask.
• Using the Divorce Money Map for control and clarity.
• Strategies for managing risk tolerance and investments.
• The parallel between grief in death and divorce.
• Legal and financial considerations in divorce and widowhood.

About Donna:

Donna Jean Kendrick discovered her husband Greg had passed away suddenly in 2013 and found herself navigating widowhood with three young children. After settling into their new normal she went back to school to become a CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ practitioner and made it her mission to support families in transition. She co-hosts the Widow, Wisdom and Wealth Podcast and is the author of the Life Stages Financial Guides series. Donna, along with her blended family of six kids, raise funds for causes such as Safe Harbor, a grief counseling program for children

Resources:

Donna Jean Kendrick - Official Website - https://donnajeankendrick.com

The Divorce Money Map (Book) - https://www.amazon.com/Divorce-Money-Map-Donna-Kendrick/dp/XXXXXX

Certified Financial Planner (CFP) - https://www.cfp.net

AnnualCreditReport.com - https://www.annualcreditreport.com

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdb

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...

#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport

Summary:

In this conversation, Paulette Rigo and Gabriella Pomare explore the evolving dynamics of modern relationships, focusing on the signs of relationship breakdown, the concept of 'quiet quitting', and the importance of emotional connection. They discuss how couples can navigate their independence and interdependence, the dangers of outsourcing emotional needs, and the challenges of ambivalence in relationships. The dialogue emphasizes the need for open communication and the recognition of red flags that indicate deeper issues within partnerships. In this conversation, Gabriella Pomare and Paulette Rigo delve into the complexities of relationships, emphasizing the critical role of communication, the impact of relationship dynamics on children, and the importance of maintaining one's identity amidst various roles. They discuss the consequences of poor communication, the necessity of creating safe spaces for honest conversations, and the significance of rebuilding friendship and connection in marriage. The dialogue highlights the need for proactive measures in addressing relationship issues and the value of seeking professional help when needed.

About Gabriella:

Gabriella Pomare is a family lawyer, speaker, award-winning author of The Collaborative Co-Parent, host of the Before It Breaks podcast, and global thought leader specializing in modern relationships, co-parenting, and family dynamics. A sought-after media commentator featured across major U.S. and Australian networks – including NBC News, TODAY, The Morning Show and Good Day New York – Gabriella frequently speaks on modern relationships, healthy separation, co-parenting, and the evolving pressures facing women balancing motherhood, work, and identity. She lives in Sydney, Australia.

Resources:

Before It Breaks with Gabriella Pomare: a podcast about marriage, motherhood, divorce, co-parenting and the emotional load no one sees until everything starts to fracture. (https://thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au/podcast)

The Collaborative Co-Parent, is an internationally recognized guide to modern, child-focused co-parenting. (https://thecollaborativeco-parent.com.au/the-book-1)

The Collaborative Co-Parent self-paced workbooks: practical, guided programs to help co-parents communicate calmly, reduce conflict and create emotional safety for their children after separation. (https://gabriellapomare.com/workbooks)

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdb

WEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/

SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademy

Buy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/

RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...

AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...

Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport

Summary:

In this episode, Jason Wright, an experienced family law attorney, shares insights on navigating divorce, custody disputes, and the importance of informed decision-making. Learn how misconceptions, social media, and emotional reactions can impact legal outcomes and how to approach family law with clarity and strategy.

About Jason Wright:

Jason Wright, an award-winning Austin family law attorney and the founder of The Law Office of Jason Wright. Licensed since 2012, Jason focuses on complex divorce, custody disputes, and property division. He's known as the lawyer who "tells it like it is," often reminding clients that fairness isn't how family law works — instead, he helps families understand the legal rules, the tradeoffs involved, and the long-term consequences of their decisions. Jason has been recognized by Super Lawyers and Best Lawyers, is a Fellow of the Texas Bar Foundation, and has served on the Board of Directors for Volunteer Legal Services of Travis County.

Key Topics:

• Common misconceptions about divorce and custody.
• The impact of social media and electronic evidence.
• The importance of legal boundaries and emotional management
• Differences between community property and equitable division..
• The role of judges and county-specific laws in family court.
• Strategies for effective mediation and conflict resolution.
• The influence of age and developmental stages on custody decisions.
• Mistakes to avoid during divorce proceedings.

SIGN UP FOR my Better Divorce Blueprint PROGRAM: https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/bdbWEBSITE - resources for those in need of Certified Divorce Coaching and Private Mediation Services: https://betterdivorceacademy.com/SOCIAL MEDIA - bit.ly/betterdivorceacademyBuy my book and workbook: Better Divorce Blueprint https://betterdivorceblueprint.com/RESOURCES - https://betterdivorceacademy.com/reso...AUDIOBOOK FROM AUDIBLE - https://www.audible.com/pd/Better-Div...Are you looking for answers and guidance? BOOK a 30 minute assessment consultation: https://calendly.com/betterdivorceaca...#divorce #mediation #coaching #lifeafterdivorce #divorcesupport