Tessa James
Your Personal Mentor Through the Divorce Process
Welcome to the world of empowered healing and new beginnings.
I’m Tessa James, a dedicated divorce coach passionate about guiding individuals through the challenging journey of divorce. With a deep understanding of the emotional and practical complexities that arise during this life-altering transition, I am committed to providing support and practical guidance, assisting you in navigating this time with strength and resilience.
I am your thinking partner, an unbiased advocate, voice of reason, sounding board, and educator.
My journey as a divorce coach draws from my background in psychology and extensive experience in coaching, I have a holistic approach that addresses the unique needs of each client.
Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working with individuals from diverse backgrounds, specializing not only in:
Amicable Divorce
High Conflict Divorce
High Net-Worth Divorce
Parenting & Co-Parenting
Domestic Violence/Abused Spouse
Abandoned Spouse
Men’s Rights through Divorce
My experiences culminated in establishing my practice, Trust In Tessa divorce coaching, and creating my podcast "Unhitched But Not Unhinged."
Operating primarily in California but not confined by boundaries, I successfully and empathetically coach both men and women. My mission is to empower individuals navigating divorce by offering compassionate support, practical guidance, and the necessary tools to regain control of their lives. I aid clients in transitioning with resilience, clarity, and confidence, enabling them to emerge stronger, more self-aware, and prepared to embrace a new chapter with optimism, purpose, and peace.
I coach with a steadfast commitment to achieving peaceful resolutions.
I am also a parent to two adult sons. I relish spending time with my mother and friends and fostering relationships within my extensive team of support professionals in the divorce concierge department.
What has been your experience with divorce, whether in the past, present, or a potential post-divorce phase?
My academic background in psychology from San Diego State University, coupled with firsthand experience within the family courts of California, has uniquely shaped my journey. I discovered my calling as a divorce professional following my own challenging divorce and custody battle back in 2007. Enduring a high-conflict child custody case, fraught with contentious legal battles and a move-away situation, I was driven by a fierce determination to shield my two young sons from the trauma associated with divorce. This personal struggle ignited my dedication to acquiring the skills needed to establish a stable and healthy environment for my family during this transitional phase. I became the kind of coach I wished I'd had.
I empower individuals to embrace their journey with courage and hope.
My divorce, spanning three arduous years, involved navigating through communication styles like Grey Rock/Yellow Rock, undergoing 730 evaluations, negotiating intricate child custody and visitation arrangements, and grappling with legal proceedings to secure spousal and child support. I experienced the complexities of high-conflict co-parenting, yet managed to traverse these challenges by mastering effective communication with my co-parent, yielding positive outcomes. This firsthand ordeal provides me with invaluable insight into the support required by parents undergoing divorce or separation, fueling my passion for coaching those entangled in high-conflict divorce situations.
Beyond coaching, I am an active real estate agent. I am uniquely positioned to guide you through the complexities of dividing your family home during a divorce. I share more about this in my blog post, What Happens to the House in the Divorce?
I am also a certified legal assistant in family law, which means that I have obtained a professional certification and credential that demonstrates my knowledge and expertise in assisting attorneys who practice in the area of family law.
As a certified legal assistant in family law, I understand legal procedures and documents specific to family law cases such as divorce, child custody, adoption, and domestic violence. I am able to assist attorneys with drafting legal documents, conducting legal research, communicating with clients, and managing case files related to family law matters.
This wealth of information and experience is accessible to your Divorce Coach.
The 5 Second Rule
A few years ago, a professional Marriage and Family Therapist who was also a dear friend of mine planted the seed of becoming a professional divorce coach.
However, the biggest motivator was soaked in two books by Mel Robbins that shifted me into action mode. Mel Robbins is not only the inspiration behind my career decision to become a divorce coach, but I also consider her a mentor.
I encourage everyone to read "Reinventing Your Life" and "The Five Second Rule" by Mel Robbins- profoundly enlightening.
Care and Passion
Not only am I a divorced mother of two beautiful sons, but I am also a breast cancer survivor. I share more about how a cancer diagnosis can impact a marriage or a relationship in this blog post.
I dedicate a percentage of my client’s fees to Know Your Lemons because I strongly believe in educating women in the early detection of breast cancer.
Learn more about KnowYourLemons.org.
I Have Your Back.
I want to hear your story. Fill out this form and I’ll reach out to you shortly.