Francine Kaye - The Divorce Doctor

A book like this doesnt just happen. A whole chain of events must conspire in order for it to be written, and many people have contributed to its conception and its birth. Its a real pleasure to acknowledge the wonderful people who helped make this book possible so that you, my reader, can ultimately benefit from it.

Firstly, huge thanks to Michelle Pilley and everyone at Hay House for believing in the relevance of this book. I am totally privileged and honoured to be working with the best personal development publishing house in the world. Thank you so much from my heart.

Thank you to the wonderful Barbara Vesey, whose intelligent and succinct editing polished the finished article until it gleamed.

Thank you to my agent, Jaine Brent, for believing in me and my work, and to the effervescent Antony Read at UK Casting for being by my side and always encouraging me every step of the way.

Thank you to all my great teachers and influencers over the years. All of them will recognise something that they have contributed to me in this book:

Carl Rogers, Dr Thomas Gordon, The Landmark Forum, my teachers at The Coaches Training Institute and Ian McDermott at ITS, Dr Charles Hobbs, Jonathan Robinson, Dr Bruce Fisher, the wonderful Grainne OMalley and Anthony Robbins. I have learned so much from you all, and the journey continues.

Thank you to the following people who have shown me so much love and have been a part of my life through all my ups and downs.

Top of my list are my incredible children, Carly and Alex Lipman. Its been a journey, hasnt it guys? Our decision to be a threesome has been the greatest gift of my life. In an ideal world mums and dads stay together forever, and yet the time I have had with you two alone has made me the luckiest mum in the world. Carly, I have watched you grow into a kind, fair and worldly wise young lady. I love our holidays together and how you organise me. I love that you are my very best friend and I also love it when you still need mummy cuddles to make it all better. I am so proud of your work ethic and your achievements. Keep growing girl, it gets better and better.

Alex, my number one son. You and I share something so special it cannot even be named. We walk in step, we laugh at the same things and you are the most intuitive and imaginative person I know. Like your sister you too have an incredible work ethic. Both of you had to become strong independent people and you have managed it with good grace and elegance. Alex, you are an amazing writer, a fabulous actor and a complete star. With you its always a Lovely Day.

With my loving thanks to my partner, Gary Hall. You made me feel beautiful again and you never doubt my abilities. For 13 years you have encouraged me in everything I do and always wave my flag. I so appreciate that and I wish you continued success and the very best life has to offer.

My lovely Erica Gee. Our 30-year friendship is amazing, funny, loving and a constant source of learning. You were there when my marriage began, you were there when it fell apart and you have continued to be there for me through thick and thin. Your laughter and love have been a constant source of pleasure and I love you loads.

My darling Susan Moss. The wisest lady I know. You too know what it feels like to go through this experience and you also know that its possible to get over it, grow stronger and let new love in. You are a sage and loving soul mate and I thank you so much for being in my life.

Thank you to Annie Simmonds for giving me my first proper job after my divorce and remaining my playmate ever since. Thanks to Lynda and Henry Vellerman, for your patience and love even when I didnt deserve it, and for your fabulous dinners. Thank you to my wonderful cousins Gillian and Martin May, Lesley and Irving Singer, Paulette and Mark Sachon and Nigel Gee and to my brother- and sister-in-law Jeremy and Michele Kaye. You have all looked after me, supported me and I love you all so much.

Thank you to Fiona Harrold for having me on your team, for your wonderful cards and endless words of encouragement. You are my mentor and my friend.

Thank you to Andrew Rhodes at Sobell Rhodes. You are not only my financial guru and an amazing accountant; you are also my friend and the hottest networker I know. Without you the next chain of thank yous would not exist.

Thank you to Trevor Sorbie, hairdresser extraordinaire, for believing in my work and introducing me to Matthew Wright. A huge thank you to the wonderful Matthew Wright for inviting me to give advice on your show, The Wright Stuff. Matthew, you are passionate about helping people in rocky relationships. You are quick and clever and genuinely compassionate and I love working with you.

Thank you to Vanessa Lloyd Platt, expert family lawyer, for being a supporter of my work. You explode the myth that many people have about lawyers. You always advise clients to see me if you think their marriage can be saved or when they need emotional support during a difficult divorce. You hold the bar for integrity and justice, and I am very proud to be part of your team.

Thank you to my ex-husband Mark Lipman. I would not be the woman I am today without our divorce. I appreciate the gift of our children and the love you show them and everything I have learned as a result of our marriage and divorce.

And last but not least, thank you to my wonderful courageous clients who were willing to discover their own role in what happened and why it happened and learning that you can avoid making the same mistakes again. In this book your names, situations and circumstances have been changed to honour your privacy, and some stories are a composite of several situations. I want you to know that I am so proud of those of you who have rebuilt your relationships through our work together and equally as proud of those of you who have used the skills and tools to divorce with dignity, parent effectively, heal your hearts and learn to love again. Thank you so much for allowing me to share your journey.

I have known Francine, first professionally and then personally, for more than ten years. She is extraordinarily gifted, and the smartest relationship and communication expert I know.