Radio Feature: Discussing Strategic Divorce Coaching on WBBM Chicago
CDC Certified Divorce Coach® Katie VandenBerg Shares Insight on Divorce Strategy, Emotional Regulation, and Forward-Focused Decision-Making Quick Answer: In this exclusive divorce coach interview on WBBM Newsradio Chicago, Katie VandenBerg discusses why modern divorce requires more than just legal counsel. The feature covers the strategic role of a divorce coach, how to navigate high-conflict personalities […]
Wintering in Divorce: Why This Season of Grief Is Necessary
By Katie VandenBerg, CDC Certified Divorce Coach® | Focused Forward Wintering in divorce is a necessary physiological season of grief, exhaustion, and withdrawal—not a sign of weakness or depression. Rushing this phase leads to burnout and poor legal decisions. Instead, true resilience is built by slowing down: simplifying routines, reducing social obligations, and delaying major […]
When Your Marriage Feels Like a Roommate Arrangement: The Silent Path to Divorce
Originally posted September 2023, updated February 2025 The Invisible Breakdown: When “Nothing” Becomes Everything Living as roommates rather than spouses is one of the most common—yet shame-filled—reasons people seek divorce. As a divorce coach in Peoria, Illinois who has guided hundreds through this process, I’ve seen firsthand how this particular situation creates unique emotional challenges. If you’re […]
First Thanksgiving after Divorce
It’s Thanksgiving week, and while there is a lot to be thankful for, I am keenly aware of the heavy feelings that surface during the holidays. I had a client talk with me today about this exact struggle, and it thrust me right back to my own First Thanksgiving after Divorce. In fact, I think […]
Thanksgiving Birthdays and Manifestations
I hope you all had a wonderful Thanksgiving! I spent it at home; we hosted about 14 people. It was the perfect number to have a full house with lots of conversations and kiddos running around, but not too many that we were stressed. Everyone brought something, and it made for a fairly laid-back day […]
That Time Between Christmas and New Year’s Day: Building Your Divorce Resilience Strategy
Quick Answer The week between Christmas and New Year’s—often called “The Limbo Week”—is the most strategic time to build resilience during divorce. Instead of waiting for the January filing rush, use this quiet window to privately gather financial documents, vet your support team, and establish emotional boundaries. This proactive approach allows you to enter the […]
Breaking the Cycle: When Marriage Feels Like an Addiction and How to Take Your First Step Toward Divorce
Originally posted Jan 2024, updated Aug 2025 Are You Stuck in a Toxic Marriage Cycle? Here’s How to Know When It’s Time to Break Free I have noticed a trend with some people in what I would consider a bad habit, and that’s an addiction to trying to save a marriage that is unsalvageable. It’s […]
Life is hard
“Life is hard—not because we’re doing it wrong, just because it’s hard.” Glennon Doyle As my first marriage crumbled, I remember wondering why this was so hard? I thought I had made the right choice in my first husband. I imagine he felt the same. We were both intelligent, hard working, frugal and almost always […]
Five Bits and pieces
Somehow the first month of 2024 is almost over! I’ve been wildly and joyfully busy in all areas of my life! It took a little bit to get a routine back in place with what felt like too many snow and ice days keeping our kids home from school, but this week, FINALLY, I should […]
I will never have this version of me again
“I will never have this version of me again, let me slow down and be with her” Rupi Kaur Going through a divorce, like any kind of grief, can often make us wish it away sooner than later. We do this in any variety of ways. Drinking too much. Dating too soon. Stuffing our emotions. Exercising […]