NOTE: Previously, I have used my blog to write about divorce related legal issues. But in light of the US Patent Office having recently recognized the uniqueness of the Consilium Process and therefore allowed my use of the name to describe my work in divorce consultation, as well as my desire to address the numerous times I have been asked what it is exactly that I am doing differently, I have decided to restructure the blog in a way that will help people understand what I’m doing that is unique, and also give you updates about my work as it progresses.
When you practice divorce law, there are moments when it would be useful to have a background in psychology; likewise, there are times as a psychologist, psychiatrist, social worker or other mental health provider when it would be useful to be able to better understand divorce laws.
Unfortunately, there is not a lot of intersection between what is taught in the programs that lead to these separate fields. I find myself—as someone who has had training both in Education and Psychology (Harvard University, Ed.M., 1980) and in Law (Suffolk University, J.D., 1986) —in a unique position. Over the years, I have found myself in a number of situations where being able to look at things from a psychological standpoint has helped me gain clarity on a legal issue, and in situations where having a deep understanding of divorce, asset division, custody and related laws has allowed me to give clients context as well as counsel around those complex emotional concerns.
This is how I came to the idea of creating the Consilium Process: a hybrid that merges psychology and law to help people prioritize their legal, financial and personal goals. Through the Consilium Process clients are educated about the laws and the legal process choices available to them. They are then able to thoughtfully plan and proceed toward the restructuring of their life and that of their family as well as make use of the Consilium Process to retain appropriate legal counsel.
I will be writing a series of blog posts about the Consilium Process, my early experience as a lawyer, and various anecdotes which led me down the path toward creating Consilium. I am looking forward to sharing these stories with you, and hope that you are interested as well.
Heidi R. Webb is the Founder of Consilium Divorce Consultations and the Consilium® Divorce Process.