Separation and Divorce
Few couples recognize the importance of counselling past the point when they decide to end their relationships. Separation marks the beginning of the process of re-establishing separate lives, and households. Many couples share children in addition to debts and assets, with each family having unique needs for help and support during these times.
Separating/divorcing individuals experience a variety of emotions, from grief to relief, regardless of whether or not it is clear that separation is the best option for the couple. There is often an expectation that, once couples begin to live apart, both parties will cease to experience conflict and will communicate in more productive ways. However, couples that failed to get along during their marriage will likely experience the same or increased levels of conflict during separation. Separating couples often notice a shift from working together and being a unit, to competing for resources, and time with children, friends and relatives.
Counselling for separating and divorcing couples can be a very useful process in helping families to establish some peace and new routines. Our counsellors can help these couples, individuals, and/or their children to undergo the often long process of establishing separate homes. Counselling can help parents to consider the individual needs of their children during separation/divorce, and it can also help children to communicate their needs in a neutral and child-friendly environment. It provides separating/divorcing parties with a safe environment to discuss communication and co-parenting strategies, preventing the type of gridlock conflict that leads to unnecessary family divide as well as long and expensive court battles.
