Ending a long-term relationship is a big decision that can be hard to make. This is even more difficult if you and your partner have children together or share a home or business. You want to be certain that whatever you decide to do, it is the best move forward. Equilibrium provides counseling services for couples and individuals who are in the process of deciding whether to separate or who have already separated and need help with parenting decisions, improving communication, or finding closure.
This is a stressful process that brings about heartbreak, pain, anxiety, and guilt among other difficult emotions. In therapy we will identify what changes would need to be made in order for the relationship to be repaired and assess the practicality of these changes. You may decide that you are not willing to commit to the changes discussed and pursue a divorce. You may also decide that, while the changes might require a lot of work, you and your partner are willing to give it a shot.
The short answer is, Yes! Therapy offers a supportive space to navigate this difficult transition. Many people seek therapy during divorce to process difficult emotions such as grief, anger, guilt, or anxiety, and to rebuild their sense of self. In our sessions, we can work on developing healthy coping strategies, managing stress, and fostering resilience. Therapy can also help you gain clarity on your needs and boundaries, improve communication skills, and build confidence as you move forward. Together, we’ll work to ensure that this period of change becomes an opportunity for personal growth and healing.
Therapy provides a safe space to express feelings such as anger, grief, and confusion. A therapist can help individuals process these emotions in a healthy manner.
Therapists can facilitate better communication between separating partners, which is especially important if children are involved.
Our therapists have training and years of divorce mediation experience which can assist in resolving conflicts and help both parties manage disagreements constructively.
Counseling can help individuals gain a deeper understanding of what went wrong in the relationship and find closure.
Our therapists will work with you to develop co-parenting strategies that prioritize the well-being of the children.
We offer strategies to manage stress, anxiety, and depression that may arise during this time.
Therapy can lead to personal growth by helping individuals understand themselves better and improve their self-esteem.
Effective co-parenting doesn't come easily. It takes conscious and collaborative work to overcome lingering communication difficulties that existed throughout your marriage or differences in parenting values. Luckily, we can start with a common goal: you both love your children and want to do the best you can for them!
When we are talking about co-parenting, our first priority will be your kids. Their needs and wants will always be factored into the work we do together. Making a plan and working through differences in parenting and communication will reduce your stress in the long run. All the time and energy that was being spent on frustrating conversations and arguments can be put back into the things that matter most.
Divorce mediation is a way of resolving your divorce that involves you, your partner, and neutral third-party specialists working together to make decisions about parenting, asset/income division, and child support. Your team will help you identify your and your spouse's priorities and help you find an agreement you can live with.
I provide mediation services through Madison Divorce Mediation. For more information on their experienced team and this process, please take a look at their website.
Madison Divorce Mediation provides an alternative to traditional litigated divorce. You and your partner will team up with a mediator, an attorney neutral, and a financial neutral as you make decisions regarding co-parenting and asset division.
Robert Emery PhD. provides a guide to building a parenting plan that puts your children first. Emery does an excellent job at laying out considerations for a dynamic parenting plan that changes as your child grows.