How collaborative divorce and positive psychology can reduce conflict and support your children with Andrea Vacca — Securely Attached

Collaborative divorce attorney and positive psychology practitioner Andrea Vacca joins me to talk about something many families don't realize is possible: a way to move through divorce without escalating conflict or damaging long-term relationships.

For many people, divorce is synonymous with battle. It's something to survive, something to win, or something to endure at all costs. But as Andrea explains, that model often makes an already painful experience even harder for both parents and children.

In this conversation, we explore how a more intentional, team-based approach can help families navigate divorce in a way that supports emotional well-being, preserves dignity, and sets the foundation for healthier co-parenting moving forward.

Together, we discuss:

What collaborative divorce is and how it differs from traditional litigation.
Why you don't need strong communication skills to start this process, just a willingness to try.
How a team-based approach (including mental health and financial professionals) supports the whole family.
The biggest myths about collaborative divorce, especially for high-conflict couples.
How positive psychology can help shift your mindset from survival to growth during divorce.
The concept of a "good enough" agreement and how it can reduce unnecessary conflict.
How emotional regulation impacts decision-making during divorce.
What it actually looks like to create a thoughtful, durable co-parenting plan.
How to revisit and improve parenting plans, even after a divorce is finalized.
How parents can protect their child's sense of stability during a major family transition.

This conversation is about more than divorce. It's about how we navigate major life transitions, how we stay grounded in our values under stress, and how we make decisions that support not just short-term relief, but long-term well-being for ourselves and our children.

LEARN MORE ABOUT MY GUEST:

🔗 Vacca Family Law Firm

🎧 A Better Divorce Podcast

📱 @vaccafamilylawgroup

LEARN MORE ABOUT ME:

🔗 https://drsarahbren.com/

📱 @drsarahbren

ADDITIONAL REFERENCES AND RESOURCES:

👉 Navigating separation or divorce? Upshur Bren Psychology Group offers specialized support at every stage of the process, including therapy and coaching, parenting and co-parenting support, family therapy, and weekly divorce groups for women and children. Whether you're in the middle of a split or adjusting to a new family structure, our team is here to help you and your children feel steady and supported. Visit upshurbren.com to learn more or schedule a free 30-minute consultation call to find the right support for your family.

https://www.collaborativepractice.com/

CHECK OUT ADDITIONAL PODCAST EPISODES YOU MAY LIKE:

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about divorcing with less conflict with Katherine Miller

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about busting divorce myths and breaking down the true effect it has on children Michelle Dempsey-Multack

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about the legal considerations parents need to know with matrimonial attorney Lisa Zeiderman

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about navigating high-conflict divorce while prioritizing your own needs and attachment relationships with Karen McMahon

🎧 Listen to my podcast episode about whether "nesting" during a divorce is better for your kids