Separation

the pain of separation

Sometimes relationships don’t work out and there comes a moment where partners decide it’s time to separate.

This process is extremely painful and the couple is faced with so many different layers to address: the emotional pain, the fear of what’s ahead, the unresolved issues of the past, the tremendous sense of loss, the guilt…

And of course, there are logistics to figure out: the more your lives are intertwined, the more difficult it is to districate them from one another: the home, the children, the pets, the possessions, the finances, visas and work permits….

COUNSELLING THROUGH SEPARATION

Though you may be wishing you could manage this with grace and mutual respect, it can all feel overwhelming and emotions might get the better of you.

Couples counseling can help in this process by creating a safe space where you can address the complexities of a separation

An experienced “third person” can lead the conversations between the two of you can help you navigate this complex and often painful process peacefully and amicably.

What we’ll work on

In couples counselling we can focus on the different aspects of the process of separation, including:

Managing emotions: sometimes it can be difficult to communicate with one another without emotions flaring up and highjacking the conversation, especially when certain topics are touched. Through our sessions I can give you tools to manage any challenging emotions that come up, giving you the opportunity to problem-solve the “next steps” together.

Strengthening empathy and compassion: in order to separate peacefully and with respect, it is important to cultivate an understanding of what the other person is going through, while also feeling that your own emotions are being taken into consideration.

Developing a clear narrative: when a couple separates, there can be two very different narratives about why the separation occurred, leading to conflict, resentment and confusion. A clear and shared narrative can help you understand how you got to where you got, acknowledging the good parts of the relationship and taking responsibility for what did not work out.

Building confidence for the future: separations can leave people feeling scared about what’s ahead. Counseling through a separation can help you both focus on your respective strengths and resilience to manage the next phases of your lives.

FIND OUT MORE

If you’d like to find out more about couple’s therapy, you can read my other specialty pages, check out the FAQs on couple’s therapy, or get in touch.

You can also check out my Mental, Emotional and Relational Wellbeing Workshops or follow me on Social Media to stay up-to-date on all other initiatives related to Relational Wellbeing.