Still Married: Seeking Guidance towards Healing

The day two people get married can be the happiest day of their lives, but once the honeymoon phase wears off and life goes on, the bond between a couple gets tested over and over again. Some get strengthened, while some get frayed, or worse, destroyed. Reaching the breaking point is often not the result of one big mistake, but rather, is a culmination of negative behaviors and choices that two people make as they navigate the joys and demands of building a life together.

To cope with these variegated stresses, experienced marriage counselors with specialized training in techniques like the Gottman Method can help struggling couples identify the early warning signs of dysfunctional relationships, such as the Four Horsemen of criticism, contempt, defensiveness, and stonewalling. Once the existence of these factors has been identified, counselors can recommend the appropriate interventions and adjustments to one or both partners’ outlooks as needed.

Preparing Children to Cope with their Parents’ Divorce

Nothing can be more tragic for children (especially the younger ones) to watch their parents fight and their family fall apart. It is something they need to deal with, and parents should be part of the process of helping them adjust to their new family situation.

Put your children’s needs first

Communicate the nature of the situation to them clearly, and answer any questions they may have about living arrangements, financial support, custody, etc. Younger children may require a more simplistic explanation and lots of emotional support so this event doesn’t scar them for life.