Expert Feature Olivia Howell, Divorce Coach
At Fresh Starts, we’re proud to spotlight the incredible professionals who guide people through one of life’s most challenging transitions: divorce. Today, we’re featuring Olivia Howell, a Divorce Coach, whose work helps clients find clarity, strength, and a true fresh start.
Olivia, can you tell us a little about yourself, what you do and what led you to this line of work?
As a divorce coach, I walk alongside people during one of the hardest transitions of their lives. My role is part guide, part advocate, and part steady hand. I help clients move from feeling overwhelmed and isolated to feeling supported, informed, and empowered to make clear decisions. That can look like breaking down the legal and financial jargon into plain language, brainstorming communication strategies for co-parenting, building out practical checklists, or simply holding space for the messy emotions that surface.
I’m not here to replace a lawyer or therapist—I’m here to bridge the gaps. I connect clients with vetted professionals, resources, and tools, while also offering scripts, strategies, and encouragement for the day-to-day. Most of all, I remind people they don’t have to do this alone. Divorce is not just an ending—it’s the start of a new chapter, and my work is about helping clients step into that with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
What inspired you to work with people going through divorce or big life transitions?
My inspiration really came from lived experience. When I went through my own divorce, I realized just how isolating, confusing, and overwhelming the process can feel. There were so many moving pieces—legal, financial, emotional—and yet no central place to turn for clear, compassionate support. I found myself wishing there was someone who could help me connect the dots, explain things in plain language, and remind me that what I was feeling was valid and normal.
At the same time, I saw friends and clients struggling through their own divorces and big life transitions—whether it was a move, a breakup, or a career change. These moments don’t just shake up logistics, they shake up identity. I wanted to create the kind of support I wish I’d had: practical guidance paired with emotional care, and a reminder that starting over isn’t a failure—it’s an opportunity to rebuild with intention.
That’s what led me to become a divorce coach: to walk alongside people in these vulnerable chapters, hold the lantern when the path feels dark, and help them step into their next season with confidence, clarity, and hope.
What is your specialty within the divorce space, and how do you typically support your clients?
My specialty is helping people bridge the gap between the emotional overwhelm of divorce and the practical steps needed to move forward. I focus on two main areas: clarity and support. On the clarity side, I help clients understand the process in plain language—whether that’s what to expect in mediation, how to organize financial documents, or how to prepare questions for a lawyer. On the support side, I work with clients on communication strategies for co-parenting, building a reliable support team, and navigating the day-to-day realities of life after separation.
Typically, I support clients through one-on-one coaching sessions where we create tailored action plans, scripts, and checklists. I also connect them with vetted professionals—from lawyers and financial advisors to therapists and organizers—so they don’t feel like they’re piecing everything together alone. I’m not a replacement for legal or therapeutic care; I’m the steady guide in between who helps make sense of it all, offers encouragement, and ensures clients feel grounded, supported, and empowered every step of the way.
What makes your approach to working with clients unique?
What makes my approach unique is the blend of practical strategy and compassionate support. Divorce isn’t just a legal or financial process—it’s an emotional upheaval that touches every part of life. I meet clients exactly where they are, without judgment, and help them create both a roadmap for the logistical steps and space to process the emotional weight of the transition.
I also bring the perspective of someone who’s been through it myself, which means I understand the fear, confusion, and grief on a personal level. My coaching isn’t cookie-cutter—I tailor each session to the individual, offering scripts, resources, and referrals that fit their specific situation. Clients often tell me it feels like having a big sister in their corner: someone who will break down the jargon, walk them through the options, and remind them they don’t have to do this alone.
What’s one thing that people are often surprised to learn about you?
People are often surprised to learn that beyond being a divorce coach, I’m also a certified hypnotherapist and life coach. I weave those tools into my work when it feels right, because so much of divorce isn’t just about paperwork—it’s about rewiring old patterns, calming the nervous system, and finding ways to feel safe in a brand-new chapter. Clients usually expect me to just talk logistics, but they’re surprised (and relieved) when they realize I can also help them with grounding techniques, mindset shifts, and building resilience from the inside out.
Do you have a personal story or experience that helps you connect with clients on a deeper level?
Yes—my own divorce is at the heart of why I do this work. When my marriage ended, I suddenly found myself in uncharted territory: grieving the loss of the life I thought I’d have, managing the practical chaos of separation, and trying to stay strong for my kids while quietly falling apart. I remember wishing there was someone who could sit beside me, translate the confusing parts, remind me that my feelings weren’t wrong, and help me take one step at a time.
That lived experience allows me to connect with clients on a deeper level. I know what it feels like to wake up at 3 a.m. with your mind racing, to feel like the rug has been pulled out from under you, and to wonder how you’ll ever rebuild. Because I’ve been there, I can hold space for the messy emotions without judgment, while also helping clients find practical ways forward. It’s not just professional for me—it’s deeply personal.
What’s your favorite way to reset after a long day?
My favorite way to reset after a long day is to carve out a little pocket of quiet joy just for myself. Sometimes that looks like walking on my treadmill with music blasting, other times it’s watercoloring at my kitchen table, or curling up with my boys to watch something that makes us laugh. I’ve learned that resetting doesn’t have to be elaborate—it’s about creating small rituals that remind me I’m safe, grounded, and allowed to rest.
If you could describe your work in three words, what would they be?
Empowering, Practical, Healing
What does “fresh start” mean to you personally?
To me, a “fresh start” isn’t about erasing the past—it’s about carrying forward the wisdom of what I’ve lived through while giving myself permission to imagine something new. After my divorce, I learned that a fresh start can be as big as moving homes or changing careers, or as small as rearranging a room, trying a new morning routine, or saying yes to something that once felt out of reach.
Personally, it means embracing the both/and: honoring the grief and loss, while also making space for joy, possibility, and self-discovery. A fresh start is really about rewriting the story of who I am and how I want to live—on my own terms.
Thank you Olivia for sharing your wisdom and experience with the Fresh Starts community! You can learn more about their work by checking out Olivia’s profile below!
