The decision to separate or divorce, whether it unfolded slowly or came all at once, marks a profound turning point. It is a time of loss, change, and redefinition of the life you imagined, the partnership you built, and the family as you’ve known it. Amid the grief and uncertainty, there is also the task of showing up for your children, navigating practical realities, and beginning to find your footing in a new chapter of family life.

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 that boils up each time you see your partner or coparent. 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 your life will look different now. This is what makes the shift from romantic partners to coparents so complex: the romantic bond and intimacy are ending, but your relationship is not. You will no longer be married, but you will always be connected as parents. There will be sporting events, birthdays, graduations, and weddings to attend, as devoted parents.

At Integrative Couples Therapy, we support those who are navigating this incredibly tender transition. We offer a space to process the emotions that come up, whether you are in couples therapy. individual therapy, or family 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 and maintain kindness and dignity.

We help you learn the skills no one prepares you for in this stage of life. This may mean finding new ways to communicate so that important conversations do not spiral into conflict, or practicing emotional regulation skills, so that you can respond thoughtfully, rather than react in anger or withdrawal. It may mean rediscovering your own sense of self after years of being defined as a spouse, while also holding space for the role of coparent. We walk with you as you begin to rebuild and help you move forward with steadiness, compassion, and clarity.

We can also help you talk through issues such as how to navigate parenting differences, divide responsibilities, and make decisions with your children’s best interests at heart. And we support you through the quieter things: the moments that bring up old wounds, the loneliness of shared holidays, and the fears that surface when you imagine future partners or blending families.

You are not expected to have it all figured out. This may be an emotionally painful and exhausting transition. Yet it is possible to move forward with clarity, care, and respectful interactions. If you are separating or divorcing and want support as you become coparents, for your children, we are here for you. Your relationship is changing, but the way you show up for each other, and your children, matters deeply.