TED Talks Daily How to divorce as allies, not enemies | Allison O'Brien
11 snips
Feb 14, 2025 
Allison O'Brien, a communication expert, shares her journey of navigating her divorce without lawyers or mediators. She emphasizes that ending a marriage doesn’t mean ending a family. O'Brien presents a framework for peaceful divorces that support children and foster cooperation between parents. She highlights the importance of transforming divorce from conflict to collaboration, letting go of past grievances, and redefining separation as an opportunity for positive family dynamics. Her insights aim to minimize the emotional toll on children.
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Wedding Day Dread
- Allison O'Brien dreaded her wedding day due to her parents' high-conflict divorce.
- This personal experience shaped her approach to her own divorce years later.
Impact of High-Conflict Divorce
- High-conflict divorces negatively affect children, leading to emotional and behavioral problems.
- O'Brien and her brothers experienced addiction, eating disorders, and relationship issues due to their parents' acrimonious split.
Navigating Divorce Differently
- Navigate divorce without lawyers or mediators by focusing on key concepts: vision, emotional agility, and listening.
- Prioritize collaboration and finding a path forward together instead of battling in court.