
Lawyers and Therapists: The Perfect Symbiotic Relationship
sym·bi·o·sis
ˌsimbīˈōsəs,ˌsimbēˈōsəs/
noun
BIOLOGY
- interaction between two different organisms living in close physical association, typically to the advantage of both.
- a mutually beneficial relationship between different people or groups.
Studies indicate that lawyers are more like engineers rather than teachers or nurses. With a background in science, I am certainly no exception.
I first learned about symbiosis while earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. Now, as a lawyer, my understanding of symbiosis has helped me develop close relationships with many local mental health professionals. I do truly care about my clients and addressing their emotional issues is my greatest limitation. That’s why I work closely with counselors well-versed in Family Law and SC court procedures so I can provide my clients with the best possible results at a lower overall cost.
Did you know the stress of a divorce comes second only to the death of a spouse? Did you know IQ performance levels can also decrease by 25% and analytical reasoning can drop by 30%? Unbelievably, this temporary decrease in IQ performance levels lasts nearly 1 ½ years after the divorce has been finalized.
It is imperative for lawyers to know how divorce affects a client’s decision making
Working with my clients and therapists can help them with the emotional challenges of their particular situation whether it be individual counseling, child counseling, co-parenting coaching, or even financial counseling.
Unfortunately, the ability to fully and effectively use cognitive ability and emotional intelligence in tandem to making timely and effective decisions during a divorce is significantly impaired.
Spouses going through divorce fail to notice facts in plain sight and demonstrate behaviors such as not listening, over analyzing, indecisiveness, flip-flopping, making reactive, short-term, fear/anger based decisions, and acting in a way which only meets the minimum requirements to achieve results.
Lawyers must do what they can to reduce conflict during divorce
We should promote a divorce environment that helps our clients remain focused, calm, and goal oriented. When choosing a lawyer, competency is extremely important, as is an attorney’s personality. One should not overlook an attorney’s overall philosophy with regard to family law. Make sure to choose a lawyer who recognizes divorce has consequences that last forever.