Divorce and Debt: Strategies for Surviving a Financial Meltdown with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero

In this episode of The Art of Imperfect Adulting, Amy Stone speaks with Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero—a New York City-based psychotherapist and life coach—about surviving and rebuilding after a stunning financial crisis. Karen candidly shares the turning point when she discovered her family’s mortgage hadn’t been paid in 14 months, the personal upheaval that followed, and how she found resilience and self-belief while pulling herself and her children through divorce, debt, and uncertainty.

About the Guest:

Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero is a psychotherapist in New York City and offers telehealth services in Florida as well as life coaching nationwide. With a specialty in supporting adults through major life transitions, Karen draws from both her clinical expertise and her lived experience navigating complex financial and relationship setbacks.

"I realized what was happening was I had all these negative thoughts about myself... And I really had to figure out on this ferry ride what my next step was. And I said, those negative thoughts really aren't true." — Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero

Main Topics Covered:

• The shock and aftermath of learning your home is at risk due to unpaid debt
• Navigating hidden financial troubles within a marriage and the importance of transparency
• The role of professional support systems (therapists, attorneys, friends, family) in recovery
• Rebuilding financial stability: paying off debt, protecting assets, and learning from mistakes
• Talking to children honestly about money and family changes
• The long-term impact of financial trauma and practical steps for self-protection
• Building a new, empowered chapter—personally and professionally—after crisis

Quote from the Episode:

"My negative thoughts are holding me back from being the best version of who I am. Why am I letting my negative thoughts and him do that to me? I’m not going to let that happen anymore." — Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero

Timestamps: [00:00:11] — Introductions; Karen’s NYC roots and family life

[00:02:43] — The day Karen learned her mortgage hadn’t been paid

[00:04:57] — Work-life and deferred financial oversight

[00:11:25] — Personal accounts seized, house liens, and unraveling assets

[00:14:09] — The Staten Island Ferry epiphany: fighting back negative beliefs

[00:17:46] — Paying down debt, protecting her business, and life with kids after crisis

[00:19:54] — Navigating divorce, splitting debts, and selling the family home

[00:26:44] — Building a new foundation with help from friends and family

[00:30:10] — The ongoing emotional toll of financial trauma

[00:32:08] — Advice for couples and individuals: financial transparency

[00:38:03] — How to connect with Karen and her services

[00:39:14] — Three fun final questions

Connect with the Guest:

Karen Dwyer-Tesoriero, LCSW

Email: [email protected]

Website: coffeewithkaren.com

Special Offer from the Guest:

Karen is offering a complimentary one-hour personal life coaching session to the audience with coupon code #believeinme 

*Note from the show: Guest offers are often limited-time and limited quantity. If you have an issue redeeming the guest offer, please reach out to the guest or vendor directly.

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