Oftentimes, life doesn’t go as planned. Storybook endings are not always found at the end of a chapter. When you find yourself dealing with a failed relationship, it’s usually beneficial to talk it out and seek sound advice in order to progress to the next step. Divorce Coach Debbie Martinez provides guidance for those going through the complexities of divorce. Helping her clients find peace after such a significant separation keeps her inspired and motivated.
“The most rewarding part of what I do is when I see a woman at the absolute bottom of the barrel, without hope whatsoever, and then a year down the road she’s a completely different person,” said Martinez. “She’s happy, has a new perspective, has moved on and is in a better place.”
Martinez helps clients navigate through the overwhelming obstacles that often surface after a marriage dissolves.
“People come in and don’t know the steps to get through a divorce. All they know is they want one,” said Martinez. “There are things you need to do before you walk into the attorney’s office. There are all these things to look at without being reactionary, so someone like me comes in to help them put things in place and keep everything organized.”
Martinez’ career has been varied. From working in special education to being a Florida Supreme Court family mediator, her path has been paved with the desire to help others reach a solution.
“I’m a support system,” said Martinez. “Rather than calling an attorney and venting, they can call me, and I bring them back down to reality and help problem solve.”
Martinez was inspired to dive into divorce coaching after she filed for one herself. She openly recounts her own experience and dispenses advice as a columnist for several outlets, including The Huffington Post. This spring, local viewers can catch her on “Debbie Does Divorce,” a reoccurring segment on Lowcountry Live.
“When I was going through my divorce I had a dream team – an attorney, assistant attorney and a therapist,” said Martinez. “Therapy can only take you so far. Coaching is a lot different from therapy. Coaching is all about where you are now, where you want to be, how are you going to get there, goal setting and shifting perspectives.”
From how to successfully co-parent to what steps one should take after the financial shift in their household, Martinez works to set the foundation for a new phase to begin.
“I want people to know you can climb out of that abyss and end up in a far better place,” said Martinez. “I want people to feel empowered.”
By Kalene McCort