{"type":"rich","version":"1.0","provider_name":"Transistor","provider_url":"https://transistor.fm","author_name":"The Melinda Eitzen Show","title":"Jennifer Leister | Counseling in Divorce: Giving Children a Voice Without Putting Them in the Middle","html":"","width":"100%","height":180,"duration":1895,"description":"Episode SummaryMelinda Eitzen sits down with mental health professional Jennifer Leister to discuss the critical role of a child specialist in collaborative divorce and how counseling-focused approaches can help families make more informed, child-centered decisions.In this episode, they explore how child specialists gather insight directly from children, not to make decisions, but to help parents better understand their needs, concerns, and perspectives. From everyday worries like schedules and belongings to deeper concerns about family dynamics, the conversation highlights how early, thoughtful intervention can reduce stress, improve communication, and support healthier outcomes for the entire family.About the GuestJennifer Leister is a Dallas-based mental health professional who works extensively in collaborative divorce as a child specialist and neutral mental health professional. Her practice focuses on supporting children, teens, and families navigating divorce, high-conflict dynamics, and major life transitions.Jennifer specializes in forensic interviewing, parent coordination, reunification work, and counseling for children and families. She is known for her child-centered approach, helping parents better understand their children’s perspectives while maintaining a neutral, structured process that supports healthier decision-making.To contact Jennifer, please visit:www.jennifercounseling.comwww.meetmaxbooks.comKey Takeaways About Counseling, Child Specialists & Divorce● The Child Specialist Role Is Child-Focused: Child specialists gather information directly from children to help parents make informed decisions, without putting kids in the position of choosing sides.● Counseling Principles Guide the Process: While not therapy, the role uses counseling-informed techniques to reduce anxiety, answer questions, and support children through change.● Children Worry About Different Things Than Adults: Kids often focus on practical, everyday concerns like pets,...","thumbnail_url":"https://img.transistorcdn.com/bGTbZzEbbsII5tI0d9pCh9uwJ0h8pLhLEumJrqVZYN4/rs:fill:0:0:1/w:400/h:400/q:60/mb:500000/aHR0cHM6Ly9pbWct/dXBsb2FkLXByb2R1/Y3Rpb24udHJhbnNp/c3Rvci5mbS9zaG93/LzQ4MTEyLzE3MDM2/OTMwMTQtYXJ0d29y/ay5qcGc.webp","thumbnail_width":300,"thumbnail_height":300}