006: What to Look for in Therapeutic Resources for Your Children with Psychologist Dr. Kathleen McNamara

Join us for an insightful discussion with Dr. Kathleen McNamara, a seasoned psychologist with nearly 40 years of experience, as she shares her expertise at the intersection of family law and psychology.

In this episode of Children First Family Law, we delve into the intricacies of child-parent relationships, emphasizing the need to separate relationship issues from parenting logistics. Dr. McNamara's extensive career, spanning academia, clinical practice, and policy-making, enriches our exploration of child-centered strategies that place children's needs at the forefront in legal contexts.

We examine te impact of recent legislative changes and the complexities surrounding terms like alienation and gaslighting. Dr. McNamara advocates for moving beyond labels to focus on specific behaviors and their effects on family dynamics. The episode also highlights Kayden's Law and the evolving role of best-interests attorneys – called Child Legal Representatives in Colorado – discussing the balance between safeguarding children and honoring parental rights.

Throughout the conversation, we address the challenges of high-conflict divorces, stressing the importance of a stable parenting schedule and the guidance of experienced therapists. By encouraging communication, conflict resolution, and emotional resilience, we aim to assist families in transitioning from disputes to effective co-parenting.

Our discussion, filled with expert advice and personal experiences, aims to inspire listeners to adopt child-focused approaches in the complex realm of family law.

In this episode, you will hear:

• Exploring the intersection of family law and psychology with Dr. Kathleen McNamara
• Child-centered strategies and their importance in family dynamics
• The impact of recent legislative changes, such as Kayden's Law, on family law
• Challenges and strategies for managing high-conflict divorces and parenting schedules
• The role of language and behavior-focused approaches in understanding family dynamics
• The importance of emotional resilience, communication, and conflict resolution in co-parenting
• Insights into child advocacy, family rights, and the evolving role of best-interests attorneys – called child legal representatives in Colorado

Resources from this Episode

• Dr. Kathleen McNamara’s website: kathleenmcnamaraphd.com
• www.childrenfirstfamilylaw.com

All states have different laws; be sure you are checking out your state laws specifically surrounding divorce. Krista is a licensed attorney in Colorado and Wyoming but is not providing through this podcast legal advice. Please be sure to seek independent legal counsel in your area for your specific situation. 

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Episode Credits

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