Therapist, custody evaluator, guardian ad litem, parenting coordinator… What do all these professionals actually do, and how do you know which one your family might need during divorce?

In this episode of Divorcing Without Damage, Dr. Leslie Roberts breaks down the differences between these often-confused roles, explaining what each professional does, who they serve, and when their involvement might be helpful. She also addresses the fear many parents experience when an evaluation is ordered and why it doesn't automatically mean the court thinks you're a bad parent.

You'll learn the difference between seeking support for yourself, resolving co-parenting disagreements, and getting independent professional input when serious disputes arise. Most importantly, you'll discover why these roles aren't punishments, but different tools designed to address different needs.

Because understanding the process can help you replace fear with clarity and make better decisions for yourself and your children.

🎧 Listen now and share this episode with a parent navigating the uncertainty of divorce.

In this episode of Divorcing Without Damage, Dr. Leslie Roberts tackles one of the biggest fears parents have during divorce: “How do I make sure this isn’t traumatic for my kids?”

The answer may not be what you think.

Leslie explains why divorce itself isn’t necessarily the source of lasting harm—and why the environment surrounding the divorce matters so much more. From chronic conflict and uncertainty to predictability, repair, and having at least one steady adult, this episode breaks down what children actually need while their family is changing.

Leslie also addresses the guilt many parents carry when they lose their patience, struggle emotionally, or worry they’re “ruining” their kids. You don’t have to be perfectly calm. You don’t have to get everything right. You do need to repair.

You’ll also learn Leslie’s “Soft Landing” framework: Predictability, Permission, and Presence—three practical ways to help your child feel secure even when life around them feels anything but.

Because you can’t give your child a divorce-free childhood. But you can help give them a childhood where the ground beneath their feet stays as steady as possible.

Divorcing Without Damage is not therapy or legal advice. It’s real talk rooted in compassion, strategy, and the belief that your mess doesn’t disqualify you—it equips you.

Boundaries sound simple—but when you’re navigating divorce or co-parenting, actually setting and holding them can feel incredibly hard.

In this episode of Divorcing Without Damage, Dr. Leslie Roberts breaks down what a healthy boundary really is, why so many things we call “boundaries” are actually demands, and how guilt can make us question perfectly reasonable limits.

You’ll learn why a boundary is about what you will do—not controlling what someone else does, why over-explaining can turn a simple boundary into a 45-minute negotiation, and what to do when someone pushes back or gets angry.

Dr. Leslie also shares practical examples for setting boundaries with an ex, family members, and friends—including simple language you can actually use in real life.

Because setting a boundary doesn’t make you selfish, difficult, or the villain. Sometimes, it simply means you’re learning to stop abandoning yourself in order to keep everyone else comfortable.

You don’t need permission to have limits. You just need to practice holding them.