Today we’d like to introduce you to Stacey Sherrell.
Hi Stacey, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I am born and raised in San Diego, but after living in multiple places around the county, came back home in August 2024. I have been a licensed marriage and family therapist since 2014 and have been in private practice sine 2016. In 2023, my life took a major turn when my husband and I decided to separate and subsequently divorce. As a mom to two small daughters, 10 months and a 5 years old at the time, my shift and focus of my practice completely changed. I still provide individual and couples therapy in my private practice in Rancho Bernardo, but I also work as a coach for people who are trying to figure out if they can stay in their marriage, if divorce is an option, and if divorce is decided, I help them move through the uncharted waters that come with that change. I have also developed a passion for making sure people, particularly parents, going through the separation and divorce process have community because I know how lonely and isolating that major life transition can be. From this, came Detangling Divorce which has grown an over 12k person following in 9 months on Instagram and now has a virtual community where people can come together to support one another, ask questions and learn together on how to get through the stay or go, separation and divorce phases.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Up until my separation, it actually was. Which is a blessing and a curse I realize now. I felt like I had followed what I was “supposed to do”: college, graduate school, get my license with a good job, get married, buy a house and have kids. On paper, I guess I could say I “had it all”, but as we all know, checking boxes doesn’t equate happiness. I have always prided myself on being human as a therapist and supporting people through different stages of life, and I think going through a divorce with small kids has allowed me to attract a different client and provide necessary support.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Detangling Divorce is a community for anyone in the difficult space of “stay or go” in their relationship, those who are separated and people who are going through or have been through a divorce. Detangling Divorce provides real life stories of people who have been through it so you feel less alone in your journey. I think what sets my business apart from others is that I am able to bring my personal experience into my community which is relatable, vulnerable and real, but I also have the professional training of a therapist to offer skills and insights to help my clients and community challenge themselves and grow. I am most proud of how authentic this business is…it is real and relatable and every time I get feedback from a client or a DM thanking me for creating this space, I am truly grateful for my platform. I want you to know that if you are struggling in your marriage or relationship, are considering starting a new chapter or are on the other side, you are not alone in how hard it can be and there is a community for you!
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
I hope therapy and community only continues to become less stigmatized and more accessible. I think social media has normalized talking about mental health, therapy, coaching, divorce, etc and made people realize that some of the things we were taught “not to talk about” are actually really healthy and helpful to talk about! I also see more in person support coming back after everything went virtual in 2020 and that has been a really positive, necessary shift for connection.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.staceysherrelltherapy.com and www.detanglingdivorce.com
- Instagram: @detanglingdivorce
