Mastering Communication During High Conflict Divorce Without Letting Emotions Take Over with Deborah Donenfeld
Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast
Release Date: 06/12/2025
Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast
In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, we dive deep with Cheryl, a mother of two, whose post-divorce journey reflects the emotional complexity so many women face when rebuilding their lives. Cheryl holds nothing back, discussing the early fears she carried—from concerns around safety and childhood wounds resurfacing, to the sheer uncertainty of starting over. Listen as she reveals the pivotal moment she discovered the power of listening to her body, trusting her intuition, and honoring her core values. We explore the critical role of boundaries in creating emotional...
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In this episode, I’m inviting you into one of the most tender and complicated questions you may ever face: How Do I Know If It’s Time to Divorce? If you’ve been living in a cycle of uncertainty, replaying conversations, second-guessing yourself, or worrying about the impact on your children, this conversation is designed to bring you clarity, calm, and a grounded sense of direction. I explore the fears and confusion that naturally arise when you’re considering divorce, and I help you distinguish between conflict that can be healed and patterns that may be too damaging or...
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In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, we explore one of the most important strategies for navigating divorce: building a collaborative team from the start. I talk with Andrea Vacca, a leading collaborative divorce attorney, about how legal, financial, and emotional professionals working together can reduce stress, protect your long-term goals, and create smoother outcomes. We discuss why early planning, intentional team alignment, and choosing the right divorce process—whether mediation, collaborative law, or litigation—are critical for managing high-conflict situations....
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Are you worried your spouse is hiding money or manipulating finances during your divorce? In high-conflict divorces, it’s all too common for funds to be moved, concealed, or dissipated, leaving one partner in the dark and anxious about their financial future. In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, I dive into the high-stakes world of divorce forensics and financial investigations, exploring what you need to know to protect yourself and your assets. I’m joined by seasoned forensic accounting expert Ilan Hirschfeld, who shares decades of experience uncovering hidden...
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Why do so many relationships fall apart because one partner can’t—or won’t—connect emotionally? Why do men and women alike find themselves trapped in cycles of emotional immaturity, disconnection, and pain that lead to divorce? For many women, life with an emotionally unavailable or immature partner feels confusing and isolating. For single moms, the question becomes: How do I raise an emotionally healthy son when his father isn’t modeling it? Yet men, too, often suffer in silence—many find themselves with emotionally unavailable or even abusive partners, unsure how to express...
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Have you ever wondered why, even after divorce, your ex still feels energetically present in your life? Divorce isn’t just the end of a relationship... it’s a profound emotional, energetic, and spiritual transition. Long after the legal papers are signed and the physical separation is complete, many people remain unconsciously bonded to their former spouse, feeling stuck in emotional patterns, attachment, or resentment that blocks healing, peace, and future love. In this powerful episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, I sit down with Joanna Shakti, the Soul Love™ Mentor and...
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When your wife says she wants a divorce... and you never saw it coming... it can feel like your world is collapsing. Most men panic in that moment. They chase, plead, argue, or withdraw… all the things that feel natural, but only push her further away. In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce Podcast, I sit down with transformational men’s coach Tim Wade, who brings over 25 years of experience helping men rebuild their marriages, their confidence, and their lives. Tim shares his own story of reconciliation after eight years of separation and the powerful lessons he’s learned guiding...
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Co-parenting is never easy—but when your ex displays narcissistic or emotionally abusive behaviors, it can feel impossible. You’re not just managing logistics—you’re protecting your peace, supporting your children, and trying not to lose yourself in the chaos. In this episode, I’m joined by Dr. David Hawkins, founder of the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute. With over four decades of experience and more than 40 books to his name, Dr. Hawkins brings deep insight into what it takes to stay grounded and emotionally safe while co-parenting with a narcissist. We...
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Healing from narcissistic abuse during divorce is one of the hardest emotional battles you’ll ever face. The confusion, self-doubt, and emotional traps can feel endless—but recovery is possible, and faster than you think. In this episode of the Journey Beyond Divorce podcast, Karen McMahon speaks with Dr. Justine Weber, licensed psychologist and narcissistic abuse recovery coach, about breaking free from the cycle of toxic, manipulative relationships. Together they explore why healing from narcissistic abuse is so difficult, the hidden damage it causes, and the proven strategies that move...
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Betrayal doesn’t just happen in your mind—it lives in your body. The racing heart, the tight chest, the endless mental loops that keep you awake at night… they’re not just “in your head.” They’re your body holding on to trauma. And while journaling, therapy, and mindset work can bring clarity, they don’t always free you from the pain that’s lodged deep within. That’s why this conversation with betrayal recovery coach, TEDx speaker, and author Lora Cheadle is so powerful. Lora knows firsthand the devastation of infidelity, and she shares how somatic healing, hypnosis, and...
info_outlineIn this episode, I sit down with midlife transformation coach Debra Donenfeld of Photosynthesis Coaching, who brings 14 years of coaching experience and a deeply soulful yet no-nonsense approach to helping people thrive through major life transitions. Together, we explore how to communicate effectively during high conflict divorce, even when emotions are running high and your ex seems to know exactly how to push your buttons.
If every text, email, or conversation feels like walking through a minefield, this episode is for you. You’ll learn the real reason to keep your cool—not to “be the bigger person,” but to stay grounded in your power.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
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The #1 reason to keep your cool—even when your ex is throwing verbal grenades
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Why focusing on behavior instead of content is the key to de-escalating conflict
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The power of the pause: a simple technique to create space between reaction and response
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How to shift out of victim mode and into self-empowerment
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Practical communication strategies you can use with your ex, your children, and even yourself
We also talk about the critical role of self-awareness, how to stop taking the bait, and how to avoid emotional hijacking in moments of tension.
Check the show notes - Debra is offering a free 45-minute consultation for listeners ready to step into calm, confident communication during this challenging chapter.
This episode is full of wisdom, tools, and compassionate guidance to help you reclaim your voice—and your peace—during high conflict divorce.
Connect with Deborah:
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/deborahdonenfeld/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/photosynthesiscoaching/
- Free 45-minute consultation: https://calendly.com/deborahdonenfeld-photosynthesis/45min
Resources Mentioned in this episode:
- Follow JBD on Instagram: @journey_beyond_divorce
- Book a Free Rapid Relief Call: http://rapidreliefcall.com
- Join the High Conflict Divorce Support Group: https://www.jbddivorcesupport.com/hcdsg
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