Newly Divorced Mamas: Reclaiming Your Power, Navigating Co-Parenting, and Thriving After Divorce

Empowering newly divorced mamas!

Divorce. Whew. I don’t care what anyone says: it’s a lot—and it’s even more when you’re a mama. Suddenly, you’re juggling kids, finances, the emotional rollercoaster of your “new normal,” and let’s not forget that whole thing about reclaiming your life after everything you thought you knew got tossed into a blender. Maybe you’re thinking, “What’s next?” or, “Can I just get a moment to breathe?” Trust me, I get it. And it’s totally okay if you’re not sure what that moment is supposed to look like yet.

I’m Dr. Sabrina Hadeed, and as a therapist specializing in divorce and co-parenting, I’ve seen it all. And here’s the truth: whether you’re on a journey with psychedelics, or just trying to heal without them, it’s all about reclaiming your life and finding your power again. So, let’s talk about how you can do just that—while gracefully co-parenting and even finding your joy along the way.

First Things First: You Deserve to Reclaim Your Power

So, let’s clear the air here: divorce can feel like you’ve lost something huge. Maybe you feel like you’ve lost a part of yourself, or maybe you’re overwhelmed by the idea of navigating life without your partner. But here's the truth: You are not lost—you are just in the process of remembering who you are.

The first step in thriving after divorce is acknowledging that you get to define what your new life looks like. No one else. The good news? This is your chance to rewrite the story. Whether you’re rediscovering hobbies you’d forgotten about or carving out time for self-care in ways that seemed impossible before, this is your reclamation phase. You might have to be brave, but you’ve got it in you.

If you’ve been curious about psychedelics like psilocybin (the magic mushrooms you’ve heard about), they can help shift the perspective that often keeps us stuck in grief or anger. However, even without psychedelics, the key to self-reclamation lies in conscious choices, vulnerability, and tapping into the tools that empower you—and your sense of self.

Co-Parenting: It Doesn’t Have to Be a Battle

Here’s the part where things can get tricky. Co-parenting is often a battlefield for newly divorced parents. You’re navigating new schedules, different living arrangements, and—let’s be real—trying to do it all while not constantly biting your tongue or getting sucked back into old patterns with your ex.

I get it. The co-parenting dance can feel like a tango between frustration and exhaustion, but here's the secret: it doesn’t have to be a battle. The key is to focus on the kids, not the drama. Easier said than done? Sure. But the goal here is grace. It’s about showing up, even when it’s hard, and choosing compassion for both yourself and your co-parent. That doesn’t mean letting your ex walk all over you—it means finding your footing in the chaos and communicating with intention.

One of the best tools I use in my practice to support individuals in this space is Non-Violent Communication (NVC). NVC is about speaking from the heart—clearly, calmly, and without blame. It’s also about listening with empathy, even if the last thing you want to do is hear your ex’s voice. Trust me, I’ve been there. But when you approach co-parenting conversations with NVC, you create a bridge for understanding. No more toxic exchanges. Just clear, honest conversations that focus on what’s best for the kids.

Now, for those of you who are exploring psychedelics, I’ve seen how they can open up emotional channels and bring about a deeper sense of compassion. Sometimes it takes a shift in mindset to move beyond anger or hurt. Whether through psychedelics or not, when you start listening to the deeper needs of everyone involved, you’re already on the path to healthier co-parenting.

Grace, Self-Compassion, and Real Healing

Listen, mama. Divorce is not just a legal process—it’s a personal one. If you’ve been feeling all kinds of things (anger, sadness, confusion, maybe even relief), that’s all normal. But here’s where I want you to zoom in: Healing is not about perfection. It’s not about pretending everything is “fine.” It’s about being real with yourself, even if that means admitting you don’t have all the answers yet.

One way to support your healing journey is to simply give yourself permission to be imperfect. There is no “right” way to heal. Whether it’s through therapy, psychedelics, journaling, or just finally allowing yourself to cry in the shower, your path is your own. There is no timeline, and no need to rush the process.

What does matter is that you’re moving toward healing, even if it feels like a crawl. Give yourself grace. Be patient. And let yourself feel. This is a major life shift, and it deserves the time and care it takes to navigate it.

Creating Your New Normal

When you’re newly divorced, it can be tough to imagine your life post-divorce as anything but a series of logistical headaches and difficult emotions. But take it from someone who’s walked this path: you can create a new normal. You can wake up excited about your day (yes, even with the kids), you can build a future that feels just as fulfilling as the one you left behind, and you can look at your ex—not with anger—but with acceptance and a sense of peace.

Whether you choose to walk your healing path with psychedelics or you do it on your own, the magic comes when you let go of what no longer serves you, embrace your true power, and move forward with intention. You are a force, mama. It’s time to own it.

You’ve Got This, and I’m Here to Help

If you’re feeling ready to take the next step—whether it’s diving deeper into the power of psychedelics, practicing Non-Violent Communication, or simply giving yourself the support you deserve—I’m here to help. We can create a plan that works for your unique journey, and I’ll be there every step of the way to guide you toward healing, growth, and empowerment.

Remember, your story isn’t over—it’s just beginning. So grab your favorite cozy sweater, pour a cup of coffee, and let’s make sure your next chapter is one you love.

Dr. Sabrina Hadeed is a licensed therapist, Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapist, and psilocybin facilitator in Oregon. With over 20 years of experience helping newly divorced mamas heal, grow, and thrive, Dr. Hadeed is passionate about helping women reclaim their power and create the life they deserve.

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