No one prepares you for this part. The decision to separate, whether it came slowly over time or arrived all at once, is never just about ending a romantic relationship. It is about grieving the life you thought you would share and concerns about your family. It is about feeling the ground shift beneath your feet while still trying to show up for your children, your responsibilities, and yourself.

You might be overwhelmed and exhausted. You may be unsure how to talk to your partner or coparent without anger, defensiveness or shutting down. There may be hurt, resentment, or disappointment sitting just beneath the surface. At the same time you have a child or children that you both love deeply. To your children, you are still their parents, even if it will look different now. This is what makes the shift from romantic partners to coparents so complex: the intimacy is ending, but your relationship is not. You are no longer married, but you will always be connected as parents.

At Integrative Couples Therapy, we support couples who are navigating this incredibly tender transition. We offer a space to process the emotions that come up, whether you are in couples therapy or individual therapy, and help you begin the important work of redefining your relationship. Despite the emotional pain you may feel, you need to find a way to work together. Your children need to see that even in the midst of change, the two people they rely on most are still a team.

We can help you talk through the big things such as how to communicate without escalating, how to navigate parenting differences, and how to make decisions with your children’s best interests at heart. We also support you through the quieter things like the moments that bring up old wounds, the loneliness of shared holidays, and the fears that come up when you imagine future partners or blending families.

You are not expected to have it all figured out. But it is possible to move through this with clarity, care, and mutual respectful interactions. If you are separating or divorcing and want support as you begin this new chapter as coparents, for your children, we are here to support you. Your relationship is changing, but the way you show up for each other, and your family, matters deeply.