Lawyers are Counselors (esp. in custody cases)

Some lawyers also refer to themselves as “Counselors-At-Law”, not just “attorneys”. What does that mean? Well, I know lawyers who will say, “If someone wants a counselor, let them see a therapist or psychologist---whatever.” These lawyers shouldn’t be doing cases involving fights over children. If that is the type of lawyer on the other side, long term resolution in the children’s best interests will be a challenge to achieve without extensive litigation and money.
Now, I am not a licensed psychologist, but the best lawyers really want to help people navigate through the emotional upheaval of a divorce or separation, not just make money throwing out legal terms. I am confident enough to advise people, as best I know how, from my own personal life and professional experience, to handle a situation or resolve a case so that there is minimal ongoing, permanent problems with the relationship. Again, I am especially talking about cases involving children. I tell my clients what I think they should do (and many do know but need to hear it from someone else) so that I never see them again—for post decree and other never ending motions resulting in years of litigation. I have no desire to be on a retainer or even on call in these types of cases.
It's not as if we don’t encourage people to seek help from a licensed mental health professional (lmhp). Often, however, we suggest people take the PSI courses. PSI stands for Personal Success Institute. Check them out at http://www.psiseminars.com/ My husband and I took what’s called the Basic, 42 years ago and then all the other classes offered over a period of years. We’ve created permanent friendships from our involvement. It is the longest running seminar of its type in the world, run by people with an extraordinary amount of common sense, innate or learned from their own experiences. I call it the “more” seminar, and not just how to make more money—but to have more of whatever it is you need and want. We still occasionally volunteer our time to staff the Basic Seminar which is offered in Hawai’i about every other month. Many of our clients are extremely grateful for the recommendation and acknowledge it was an enormous help in dealing with the stresses of a divorce or separation. This seminar is best for “normal” people who probably don’t really need a licensed mhp, just an opportunity to reflect and reconsider issues in their life. It’s like a retreat. The Basic is 3 full days, Friday, Saturday and Sunday. It’s not cheap but I know of no one who thought it wasn’t worth every penny—and cheaper and more fun than going to some office to talk one on one. And, note, please, I am not suggesting that licensed professional help is not of value. Different strokes for different folks. It’s just another option that King and King suggests.