couple with arms around each other as analogy for 3 Recommendations (from a therapist) for Those Headed Towards Divorce

 

Hello there! As a Professional Family Mediator, I know that divorce can be a tough and emotional decision for couples. But before calling it quits, here are some things our therapist colleagues recommend when trying to salvage your relationship:

Communication is Key

One of the most common reasons couples end up divorcing is because of poor communication. It’s important to have open and honest conversations with your partner about your feelings and concerns. Try to listen actively and understand each other’s perspectives without judgment. It might also be helpful to seek the help of a couple’s therapist to facilitate productive communication and help resolve any conflicts. If you are in need of a couple’s therapist, please feel free to reach out to us here at West Coast Family Mediation Center, we are happy to provide referrals and resources.

Prioritize Self-Care

It’s easy to get so caught up in the problems within a relationship that you forget to take care of yourself. Prioritizing self-care can help you feel better emotionally and physically, which can in turn positively impact your relationship. Make sure to take time for yourself to do things you enjoy, whether that be exercising, meditating, or spending time with friends and family. It can be difficult to set aside time for yourself. I know I have struggled with this for years! The guilt of not DOING is real. However, peace that comes from taking that time-out is also real.

When I go too long between breaks for myself, I can feel the pressure of everything in my life increase. Home life seems overwhelming, work seems overwhelming, everything seems overwhelming. I try my best to practice what I preach – and when I find myself sinking from all my responsibilities, I think of my clients and what I would say to them if they came to me with the same complaints – take a time out! That is what I would tell them. Do some yoga, walk on the beach, meditate, take a nap! Do whatever it takes to refuel. None of us can run on an empty tank.

Consider Mediation

If you and your partner have reached a point where you’re considering divorce, mediation might be a good option to explore. Mediation involves a neutral third party who helps you and your partner come to an agreement on issues such as division of assets and a parenting plan when there are children involved. It can be a less stressful and more cost-effective alternative to going through a traditional divorce.

Further, mediation is a friendly alternative. So, if you are on the fence and there is still a lot of love present, but the issues seem insurmountable, mediation can provide a safe environment to explore all possibilities, not only divorce. Mediation can allow a couple headed for divorce to quickly switch gears and head towards reconciliation.

Healing and Rebuilding Through Mediation: A Judgment-Free Zone for Restabilizing Your Family

Mediation in a warm environment and we work very hard to provide an opportunity for healing so you can move forward with a solid new foundation to rebuild the next iteration of your family. Whatever that may look like to you and your partner. This is a judgment free zone. Life is hard, parenting is hard, sometimes we just need some help with redirection for us to restabilize and grow.  

Remember, divorce isn’t always the answer. With the right tools and resources, you and your partner may be able to work through your problems and salvage your relationship. Wishing you all the best!

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