Relationships often go through transitions. As we grow as individuals, our relationships change too! Schedule a free consult for questions not addressed in this article.

What are relationship transitions?

Some examples of relationship transitions are:

• Getting married
• Separating or divorcing
• Adding a member to the family (birth, adoption, marriage or remarriage, etc.)
• Young adults leaving home for college, career, etc.
• Adult children returning home
• Major career shift or leaving a community of faith
• New medical diagnosis
• Transitioning to hospice care and/or exploring death with dignity
• Parents aging or entering assisted living

What is relationship transition coaching?

In today’s world, navigating our relationships can become complicated! Relationship transition coaching is highly customized for the needs of each couple, relationship, or family. I serve as a coach to come alongside you and your loved ones to help create a safe environment where goals, expectations, and concerns can be explored.

Coaching session content and participants may vary depending on the relationship type. In premarital or pre-separation coaching, both partners will meet together with me for coaching sessions. The needs of couples expecting a child may also include sessions with their other children. Couples who are blending their families might have unique needs, especially if there were prior divorces. Aging adults making transitions may need to meet with all of their adult children.

Some goals that are common for all relationship transition coaching sessions are:

• A spirit of cooperation and respect for each other’s dignity
• Communicating with honesty and transparency
• Identifying and attending to the needs of everyone involved
• Future-focused rather than processing the past

What happens in relationship transition coaching?

At this time, all sessions are 90 minutes in length and are taking place virtually via Zoom. Sessions are offered on a pay-what-you-can basis, suggested $90-$225 per session.

Identify needs and clarify expectations. We will work together so each person has expressed their feelings and needs around the relationship and the upcoming or current transition. We want each person to be heard and feel their needs have been acknowledged.

Goal setting and agreements. We desire a healthy relationship with our loved ones, and this may look different for each person. While maintaining a future-focus, we will discuss healthy boundaries, your family dynamics, and other relevant history to create goals to which everyone can agree.

Plans for how to meet needs. Together we will come up with some options for meeting the needs and goals that have been expressed. This may or may not include a legal process, logistical planning, medical or behavioral treatment plans, or other interventions that require professionals outside the scope of our coaching relationship.

Evaluation and reality checks. Once we have mutually agreed upon goals and plans, we will take time occasionally to evaluate and course-adjust as necessary. We may have to do some reality checks if needs have changed or if new information has come to light. While it may be uncomfortable at times, this is all a normal part of growth!

Why Dr. Ashley?

Why work with me? Well, I’ve experienced a lot of relationship transitions myself! I have been married, had a child, gotten divorced, gotten remarried and divorced again, made major career changes, and navigated all the many processes that those transitions involve. I have had the honor of being present for a family whose loved one chose death with dignity. I’ve also worked with friends, family, and clients through countless relationship transitions, and learned a lot from seeing how families interact under stress.

In addition to my Doctor of Ministry degree, I have a Master of Arts degree in Family Life Education and am continually learning around relationship dynamics. Learn more about me here.

Disclaimer: Relationship coaching is not a substitute for legal advice or healthcare. While most clients find our time together therapeutic, I am not a legal professional or licensed mental health care practitioner and do not provide legal advice, psychotherapy, or mental health treatment. During your intake process and subsequent plan we develop together, I will refer you to therapies, counseling, coaching, legal, and/or medical help as necessary.

Photo by Suzanne D. Williams on Unsplash