
How to Make Better Decisions in Divorce Through Mediation with Brian James
From Divorce Dialogues by Katherine Miller
April 9, 2026 · 27 min
About this episode
Katherine Miller discusses the transformative role of mediation in divorce with expert Brian James.
Mediation is more than just a tool to avoid court. It is a transformative process that helps individuals learn the skills needed to navigate conflict with empathy, clarity, and self-determination. In this episode of Divorce Dialogues, Katherine Miller speaks with divorce mediator Brian James whose approach focuses on helping parents not just reach agreements but improve their communication, problem-solving, and decision-making skills. Brian talks about the importance of self-determination in mediation, how it supports co-parenting, and why the ability to actively listen and express needs is crucial for long-term success. He also shares actionable advice for those in conflict, showing how understanding the emotional reasons behind decisions can lead to better outcomes for everyone involved. This episode offers valuable insights for anyone navigating divorce or contemplating separation. You'll learn how to approach decisions with greater clarity, avoid emotional pitfalls that can lead to poor choices, and understand the transformative role of mediation in resolving divorce conflict – skills that will also benefit your future relationships. In this episode, you’ll learn: - How…
People in this episode
Host: Katherine Miller
Guest: Brian James
Topics covered
- mediation
- divorce
- conflict resolution
- communication
- self-determination
Keywords
- conflict with empathy
- decision-making skills
- co-parenting
- active listening
- emotional reasons
Mentioned in this episode
Books & works: Divorce Dialogues, The Emotionally Savvy Divorce
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- Reframing What “Winning” Means in Divorce with Jenny Bradley · May 21, 2026 · 33 min
- Why Emotional Regulation is Better than “Happy” for Kids During Divorce with Dr. Sasha Reiisieh · May 14, 2026 · 37 min
- Divorce Isn’t a Weapon: Reframing Separation with Karen McNenny · May 7, 2026 · 37 min
- Overcoming Financial Overwhelm in Divorce with Kimberly Palmer · April 30, 2026 · 26 min
- Starting Your Next Chapter After Divorce with Tamara Frankfort Odinec · April 23, 2026 · 31 min
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