|
Erin and Todd have been married
for 12 years. They have 2 children, Conner, age 10 and Elizabeth, age 3.
The couple’s marriage has been strained for many years, but Erin and Todd
hoped things would eventually get better so they could stay together for
the children and hopefully regain happiness.
As the months passed, Erin and
Todd became more and more unhappy. They agreed to try marital therapy,
but after 6 months of strenuous work, they decided to file for divorce.
With their counselor’s help, they realized that staying together just for
their children was doing their children more harm then good. Their
children were feeling and internalizing their parents’ unhappiness.
After deciding to separate then
divorce, Erin and Todd got their own individual therapists to work out a
plan for the logistics of their separation and how best to tell their
children. They signed consents for their individual therapists to
communicate regularly. Erin’s and Todd’s individual therapists encouraged
them to be honest with their children about their plans for separation but
to leave out details of the specific problems leading them to this
decision. Children should not be put in the middle of a divorce—they
should never have to choose between Mommy and Daddy, no matter who overtly
appears to be to blame.
Erin and Todd were also advised
to seek out counselors for their children. Children’s unsupported
feelings regarding their parent’s separation and divorce oftentimes leads
them to suffer from serious school and psychological problems.
A couple, like Erin and
Todd, who decide to divorce, faces many hardships and difficult emotions.
However, each person can pass through this challenging time with solid
support and guidance through each stage.
The Manassas Group Marriage and
Family Center therapists are skilled in guiding couples through the
difficult decisions concerning separation and divorce. |