High Conflict Divorce
High-conflict divorce happens when two people stay mentally and emotionally tangled in the marriage struggles after separation. The inability to resolve conflict and create a new version of a relationship often leads to repeated litigation, custody battles, violation of court orders, and parental alienation, where one parent turns the child against the other parent.
I specialize in helping individuals and couples create a second version of their relationship, during and after divorce, in these two areas.
1) Creating a Second Version of the Relationship after Divorce
There is a focus on the individuals moving beyond conflict and identifying what they each would like the second version of the relationship to look like. This therapy can be extremely advantageous for children in preventing further damage and creating peace. Additionally, there is a focus on a reduction of stress, anxiety and depression for each individual.
Topics such as regulating emotions, recognizing others are entitled to different points-of-view, and understanding that there’s usually more than one way to solve a problem. Therapy is solution and future-focused; history is not necessarily required.
2) Individual Therapy in High Conflict Divorce
Sometimes there is no working with the ex!
It can be debilitating to be involved with consistent drama and arguing. If you are dealing with a high-conflict ex, you may be experiencing:
Sleep troubles
Depression
Anxiety and panic attacks
Decreased appetite
Inability to handle emotions
Decreased ability to focus
Isolating self
There is a therapeutic focus on creating relief, feeling more in control, and establishing peace and happiness. Additionally, there is a focus on accepting what is. You may never be able to consciously co-parent because your spouse may choose to stay angry and aggressive for a very long time. Parallel parenting is your best option. Or, you may never be able to reason with your ex. You can have peace by learning not to engage and to separate your emotions, and therefore your responses, from your ex's.
As your therapist, my job is to help you accept the reality of your situation and support you as you develop strategies to manage your high-conflict divorce. Some of these strategies include:
Minimizing contact
Developing an effective communication style
Setting and maintaining boundaries
Parallel Parenting
Managing reactions
Finding ways to make your children feel secure
Divorce is one of the most challenging experiences anyone can face. You do not need to face it alone.
You cannot change your ex, but you can improve the quality of your life by changing how you react and relate to your ex. Contact me today to help you through your high conflict divorce.
9 Years Experience
