About
Since 1996, I have helped “breaking and broken families” (in-crisis, divorced parents, and stepfamilies) solve their conflicts and build stronger relationships. I do this by helping husbands and wives — or divorced parents — understand what is behind their conflicts and to find ways to work through those challenges, using Mediation and Expert Coaching.
My website — http://www.FamilyMediator.org — tells in detail the methods I use that have helped thousands of families move past their past conflicts.
In 1994, I married my high school sweetheart, following my own divorce of a 15 marriage, and her own divorce after two marriages. My sweetheart brought along a 13 year old daughter. We became a stepfamily. It was horrible! But we were determined to succeed, so with help from a very wise pastor we began teaching a stepfamily marriage and parenting class (talk about the blind leading the blind!). We taught that weekly class for over 21 years and learned as much as we taught the hundreds of local couples who grew through our program.
A few years into that, I was asked to help the Arkansas Family Court system by teaching a class on Divorced Parenting to prepare divorcing families to survive the trauma of divorce. I have lead over 1,000 couples through that process, seeing many choose to remain together to keep trying, and others develop a new family from two homes.
Through those two endeavors, I have been able to understand the intricate dynamics required to stay married despite the daunting challenges, and I have developed some extremely effective ways to overcome.
I look forward to meeting with you and learning about your family. I honestly believe that together we can build a bright, loving future for you and your family.
Bob Collins
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Frequently asked questions
What is your typical process for working with a new customer?
We will begin with a brief, no-cost “get acquainted” meeting to make sure we both feel compatible. This is where you can ask questions and I can learn about your needs. If we are both ready to go,
...we will set appointment times and I will give you - in person or via email - paperwork regarding your rights and confidentiality, and an intake form for contact and family information,
...you will make payment as we agree on (again, in person or online by credit or electronic check) and we will be ready to begin your new future!
Our sessions will include a review of developments in your relationship over the last week, discussion of your growth (or slips), and exploration how you can heal your pains.
What education and/or training do you have that relates to your work?
The foundation was laid in Psychology classes in the University of Arkansas (B.A. 1996); however the real meat of my experience began when my wife and I began teaching our stepfamily Marriage and Parenting classes in 1996.
At the urging of the Arkansas Family Court, I earned a formal Certification in Civil and Domestic Mediation in 2004, through the WorkLife INstitute of Houston, TX.
I am also a Licensed Minister for Family Services through East Side Baptist Church in Fort Smith, AR. Although I am not on staff at East Side, they have partnered with me through the stepfamily programs and Mediation programs I have provided.
Do you have a standard pricing system for your services? If so, please share the details here.
My standard fee is $80.00 per session. “Per session” means approximately one hour unless otherwise agreed upon. I DO NOT believe in hard and firm cutoff times for sessions. Often, a couple will just begin opening up when the traditional 50 minute session ends. I never schedule back-to-back sessions so we can have extra time if needed.
If finances are especially tight, we can usually work out a way for you to get help. NEVER let money stand in the way of your family’s wellbeing.
Your needs are formost.
How did you get started in this business?
1. My wife of 15 years divorced me for someone else;
2. I remarried a divorced mother;
3. I was cornered (happily) into teaching a class for struggling stepfamilies — which I taught for over 20 years;
4. The Arkansas Family Court asked me to be available to help conflicting couples and to teach the state-required parenting class for divorcing parents of minors;
5. As I gained knowledge and reputation, couples kept coming to me for help ... and I keep helping.
What types of customers have you worked with?
I specialize in helping “breaking and broken” families — conflicted couples, divorcing, divorced, and remarried Stepfamilies.
As a stepdad myself, and a teacher of thousands of similar “blending families,” my sharpest skills are for those who are experiencing the gut-wrenching strain of going through those transitions.
What advice would you give a customer looking to hire a pro in your area of expertise?
First and foremost, if you are a stepfamily or divorced, please make sure you work with a Mediator or therapist who has experience in that field. Only a stepparent can really understand the intricate and piercing challenges of building a new family from two broken ones.
Education and secondary observation can help, but an effective counselor MUST have first-hand understanding that can only come from within a stepfamily.
What questions should customers think through before talking to pros about their needs?
Stepparenting — helping to raise another person’s child — is an unnatural act. It is not impossible, but there are good reasons for the current divorce rate of 70% for second and third marriages.
My experience is that anyone — everyone — who attempts to build a stepfamily (A.K.A. “Blending Family”) needs to get some expert help. You should never feel embarrassed about asking for help. Guidance is cheap and easy compared to taking yourself and your children through another painful divorce.