Beyond the Billable Hour

The profession one chooses says a lot about a person but how they do that job may say even more.

When I tell someone that I am a counselor, a typical response might be "It must be nice to be able to go to work everyday and help people - really make a difference in their lives." Such a comment reminds me that my job is very important yet so often I take for granted what opportunities that I am given.

I do believe the "way" I do this job says more about me than the job title. I try hard to be the best problem solver I can be; I respect my clients and their ability to face challenges and work through feelings; I value my clients and genuinely care about the outcome of my cases and honor the efforts they make to bring change to their lives and and to manages change that they never sought.

Being a Collaborative Law Consultant gives me the perfect opportunity to do my job in a way that makes me feel proud and successful. Helping couples navigate their divorce in a way that shows value and respect for each other and leads to outcomes that maintain their personal dignity and integrity and the dignity and integrity of their children is one of the most rewarding things that I do.

Working in the Collaborative Law profession, gives me the opportunity to interact with Family Law attorneys who have learned the value of participating in a client-centered approach to divorce. They are able to help clients achieve outcomes that focus on the goals and interests of the couple and their children.

"How" attorneys and mental health professional work with couples going through a Collaborative divorce says much more about them as as person than their title. The values, integrity, honesty and genuine caring are beyond the billable hour.