Who is Matilda and Why Should I Pick Her as My Coach?

My name is Matilda, and I am the dependable and certified divorce coach behind I Listen and Help. My initial interest into this field began when I earned a psychology degree from Marietta College and found that I have a deep interest, even a calling to help people. My Education, Certified Training, Accounting/Financial Acumen, coupled with first-hand divorce experience uniquely qualify me to be the best divorce coach for you. Divorce Coaching is my life purpose.

You can count on me for emotional guidance and support, as well as first-hand knowledge of the infinite details that come along in a divorce. When things fall apart, we will pull them back together. We’ll create strategies and specific action plans that will help you regain your sense of control, peace, and calm. Together we will process what is happening day-by-day until you are in a better place and on track to achieve your goals.

Hard Knocks of Life Experiences

As a divorced single mom, I raised three children from young ages on my own to be successful adults. In 1999 I divorced my ex, a New York lawyer. We spent more than 13 years in and out of court. During that time, I began my career as a divorce counselor.

As part of my training, I became proficient in the financial aspects of divorce as well as the emotional and practical ones. Also, my 20+ years of professional financial accounting allows me to confidently assist you in knowing the financial jargon of a divorce, accessing your budget, your family’s current financial status, and preparing specific documents like financial affidavits.

I am also a child of parents whose ugly divorce impacted me and my siblings. With this first-hand experience of what your children may be going through, I can help you outline the how, when and the details to and not to include when you discuss your divorce situation with them. Your children deserve the best attention during this process also!

Loss is Heartbreaking. I have experienced deep losses throughout my life. Divorce is widely documented as the #2 most traumatic life event. It can result in loss of time with your children, finances, loss of joint friends, your lifestyle, and of course your mental and physical well-being. My experiences allow me to be both empathetic and provide concrete advice just when you need it most.

I’m a lifelong volunteer for several nonprofits including YMCA big sister, Guardian Ad Litem and ESL tutoring. I would love to assist you in coping with the pain and loss of divorce. My experiences, training and knowledge allow me to connect with a broad range of individuals and situations. Divorce coaching is not only my business, but also my passion and purpose. I look forward to serving your current and future needs.

Why is My Website Called “I Listen and Help”?

I am a deeply sensitive person that wants to help, but first I will listen to you…to understand your situation, your pain, your needs, your goals. Without actively listening to you, I cannot offer any advice that’s right for your circumstances.

The caption below describes exactly how I feel about first listening:

Writing for the Harvard Business Review, Ralph G. Nichols and Leonard A. Stevens assert in an article titled “Listening to People,” that “the effectiveness of the spoken word hinges not so much on how people talk but mostly on how they listen.” As a divorce coach, understanding the needs of your clients is crucial to successfully coaching them. Therefore, effective—sometimes called “active” or “empathic”—listening skills are a must.

I am super organized, fast, smart & tough!
I can help you prepare for your impending divorce with how to gather documents, communicate with your ex, find the best attorney for you, prepare for attorney meetings, court appearances, and help you understand specific documents and rulings. Depending on your location, I can even accompany you on meetings with professionals, including court. Don’t be pressured to make decisions on the court room steps without fully understanding the repercussions. I can help and, I will have your back!

I spent many hours in court watching judges, lawyers, and the overall stages and proceedings of divorce. My ex had a few different lawyers. On most days over my 13-year divorce, I received legal pleadings and motions in the mail when my kids were 4, 6, and 8. That’s when I started helping other mom’s that were thinking about divorce. Many came up and told me I was their hero as I modeled to them how to get divorced. I want to be your hero too.