Helping Couples With Cultural Differences

Helping couples with cultural differences

Cultivating Cultural Competence

It’s a beautiful thing when two different cultures merge and get married. It can bring variety and enrichment to your life together. But being from two different cultural backgrounds can also pose some issues. You and your spouse might not always understand each others’ choices, or not agree with one another’s’ way of doing things. This could lead to arguments in a marriage, and make couples feel as if there is a void in their relationship.

You might even have trouble communicating your feelings.  All couples have similar issues, but for some because of cultural differences, it could be a bit harder to understand one another. You might also feel a certain amount of loyalty towards your own culture, and this could make it difficult to understand where your spouse is coming from. You could also have inlaws that might not accept your marriage, and this can really cause a lot of stress between couples.

At Couples Clinic we can help you and your partner find common ground, despite cultural differences.

What are some issues that couples with cultural differences face?

  • Struggles with families who don’t support the relationship
    This can be a difficult situation. Sometimes inlaws are upset that their children married someone from a different culture. This can cause much strain in a relationship, which can lead to arguments
  • Loss of identity
    With being married to someone of a different culture, you might wonder where you fit in and how.
  • Differences in fundamental beliefs
    This can be a major cause of tension in a marriage. You might love one another, but if your fundamental beliefs are different, then arguing can ensue.
  • Different ways of parenting
    Arguing about how to raise or discipline your children could also be a potential problem in cross-cultural families. This could lead to different views on how to raise children, which could, in turn, confuse children. Couples need to work together when it comes to raising and disciplining their kids.
  • Different ways of reacting to situations due to cultural differences.
    Perhaps something that one culture finds funny, might be offensive to someone in a different culture. This is where communication comes in handy.
  • Small daily arguments
    You might disagree on how to spend money, or even on how to do certain chores around the house.
  • Religious differences
    If your religious views are different, you could also argue. You might not know which faith to teach to your children, and this could become cause for contention.
  • Language barriers
    You might both speak a different language and this can cause frustration because of not being able to communicate.

Why see a counselor?

By seeing a counselor they will help you and your spouse work together and communicate despite your differences.

You will learn:

  • Different coping methods for cross-cultural difference
  • How to teach and pass on both cultures to your children
  • How to think in a positive way about your differences as a couple
  • How to understand, respect and compromise
  • Experience each other's cultures

Another wonderful thing that counseling will do is help you to remember why you fell in love in the first place. 

Counseling will also help you and your spouse think about these specific things:

  • How do you see your future together?
  • What do you enjoy about your relationship?
  • What good is there in your marriage?
  • How do your differences affect your relationship?

Why choose couples clinic?

Our counselors value you, your spouse and your marriage. We want to help you find the happiness that you felt at first. Our therapists will listen without judgment, bias or prejudice. We understand that every client is unique and we value you as an individual. We are here to help you live a happier and more fulfilling life together as a couple.

Helping Couples With Blended Families

Helping couples with blended families

What is a blended family?

A blended family is sometimes considered a “stepfamily” an instant family or a family where you have children that are not genetically related to you. You might have your own children, and then marry someone new, who has their own family. A blended family is a beautiful thing, but it can also pose many challenges. You might struggle to bond with your new children, or they might not listen to you. These challenges could start to cause problems between couples. 

 

What are some challenges that blended families could face?

  • Sibling Rivalry
  • Difficulties integrating different parenting styles and discipline
  • Mixed feelings about stepchildren or step-parents
  • Building new relationships
  • Trying to handle big emotions
  • Bonding as a new family
  • Age differences in children
  • Parental insecurities

If you are experiencing any of these problems, know that you are not alone. These challenges are common problems for many blended families, and our qualified therapists will be happy to help you and your spouse.

How can a therapist help?

A therapist can help you and your spouse communicate. A solid marriage is the foundation of a family. A therapist can help new families to adapt to all the changes that accompany a blended family. You will also learn to embrace the differences in your new family. You can’t try to turn your new family into your first family. You will need to grow together and mature as a new family.

By communicating, you will be able to show love and respect towards one another. It is wise to always discuss everything together as a couple. Never keep emotions bottled up. Suppressed emotions can lead to outbursts and resentment. A therapist will help you to address conflict in a positive way. A therapist can also help you to speak to one another in a calm and respectful manner. You will also be encouraged to do things together as a family, where you will have opportunities to work together and talk. By doing fun family activities, you will be able to grow closer together.

It can also be hard to work on your new marriage with children around. Most new couples have time to spend alone together, but a blended family might not have the time to do so. You might be more concerned with your children than your spouse. By working together to strengthen your marriage, you will be able to have a closer family and this will benefit your children. When children see that parents are communicating with love and respect for one another, then this influence will eventually rub off on them too. This will also help children to feel more secure.

It is also extremely important to make time for each other as a couple though. Having weekly date nights if possible to reconnect and talk. A date could even just be a coffee break together without the kids. 

When to get help

  • A child or parent is showing resentment and anger towards another member of the family.
  • You are arguing constantly as a couple
  • Family members aren’t happy with things that made them happy before.

Couples Clinic will help you and your spouse if you are having difficulties as a blended family. You can find happiness and success. 

Parenting

Parenting

Parent Counselling and Therapy

Parenting is by far the hardest job in the world. Being responsible for children, and teaching them to become independent and confident adults can seem like a daunting and scary task. Many parents worry about whether they are “good” parents. The internet bombards us with tons of information on how to raise happy, healthy and well-adjusted children. This could cause anxiety in parents because there is just so much information out there.

Another problem that some parents face is that perhaps they never had marital issues before, until after they had children. Husbands could feel ignored, while wives care for small children. Or wives might resent their husbands because they feel that they aren’t involved enough with the children.

Others might be so overwhelmed with the idea of parenting that they end up feeling depressed or uncertain of their parenting skills. And yet others might worry that they are not having the right bond with their children.

When it comes to parenting, know that many parents feel the same way. You are not alone. Parenting is hard work, throughout every stage and couples can also disagree on how to raise their children; this could lead to arguments. If you are struggling with parenting skills, then seeing a therapist is a great idea. Parenting therapy from professionals is helpful in understanding and managing things.

What are some issues that parents face today?

  • Balancing family and a career
  • Not bonding with children or teenagers emotionally
  • Lack of time
  • Providing consistent care
  • Failure in imparting moral values to children
  • Fighting between parents about discipline or how to raise the child
  • Accepting your child for who they are
  • Postnatal depression
  • How to help your child deal with bullying or shame from others
  • Being overprotective to the point that your child can’t grow as a better person
  • Children not respecting their parents
  • Single parenting

How can seeing a therapist help you with parenting?

Therapists can help with so many things. If you feel anxious due to parenting, a therapist can help you cope, and pinpoint the reasons for your anxiety. Therapists are also trained professionals who can help you with any of the above-mentioned problems.

It is also interesting to note that there are 4 different types of parenting styles.

  • Permissive

    A permissive parent is- loving, nurturing and supportive. But they could end up being too permissive. A permissive parent might avoid any conflict with their children and allow them to do as they please. This could lead to insecure children who need routine and boundaries to thrive. Professional parenting therapy in Winnipeg can help you in getting rid of your problems.

  • Authoritative

    An Authoritative parent is considered the most effective form of parenting for children. Authoritative parents have high expectations for their children, but they also know their children’s limits. They are understanding and flexible in their parenting. This will help children to feel open to communicating with their parents.

  • Neglectful

    A neglectful parent can mean not spending enough time with their child. A neglectful parent might not know who their children’s friends or teachers are. A parent who is neglectful might not even care for the basic needs of their children. This type of parenting style can cause longterm emotional damage in a child.

  • Authoritarian

    An authoritarian parent is different from an authoritative parent. These parents are demanding, very strict and not flexible. These parents rely on punishing children to keep them obedient. Often this breaks down communication between parent and child.

Seek Professional’s Help

By knowing which style you have, can help you work on where you would like to be as a parent. This can also help you figure out what style your partner is and this can, in turn, lessen arguments between parents. In this context, a trained therapist can guide you to become the best parent to raise emotionally healthy and well-adjusted children. If you are having problems in communicating with your children, parenting therapy in Winnipeg can help in developing strong communication skills and a closer relationship with them.

If you would like to have one-on-one therapy or family therapy, we can help you.

Parents often have the greatest influence on their children’s lives. As mentioned before, being a parent is one of the hardest jobs there is. With the right kind of help, you can bring the happiness and closeness back into your family.

If you would like any help with parenting, Winnipeg Couples Clinic would be happy to help you address any parenting concerns that you might have. Book an appointment and reach us today!

GRIEF AND LOSS

GRIEF AND LOSS

GRIEF IS NATURAL BECAUSE LOSS IS INEVITABLE

Grief and loss are realities that can be unbearable. It forces people to reconstruct themselves because when you lose something or someone important, your life, as it is, no longer makes sense. This can be an arduous process of slowing down, deconstructing parts of your life that were connected with the loss, and then, eventually, reconstructing a new life. Although it can be excruciating, it is also a natural healing process that helps people to move forward, even when it may feel impossible. When it seems impossible, it is imperative to opt for grief and loss counselling in Winnipeg from experts.

GRIEF IS A PERSONAL PROCESS

Grieving can look different for everyone. It depends on the kind of bond we had with someone or something; the importance we give to what we feel is lost to us and even our own resilience at the time. Studies have shown that people tend to hurt more and have trouble overcoming loss when tragedy seems to strike too many times (for instance losing a child and your job in the same year).

However, some people may seem as if they have “everything put together” and overcome loss easily. But don’t rush into judgment because everyone grieves in their own way. Some people express their pain more openly while others prefer to suffer in silence. The best way of treating your underlying condition is by attending grief and loss counselling sessions in Winnipeg.

HOW LONG IS THE GRIEVING PROCESS

There are no rules and everyone grieves in their own way – and need their own time. Researchers suggest many individuals experience grief over a period of two-year for serious loss. Nonetheless, that is not always the case. The grieving process also changes depending on the circumstances of the loss and if the loss is complicated. A grief therapist in Winnipeg can help you in bringing your life back on the track.

COMMON EMOTIONAL REPSONSES WHEN LOSING SOMETHING IMPORTANT

There are some types of behaviors to be expected when people are coping with loss. Feelings of shock, depression, anger, diet change, denial are common. In cases of prolonged illness, family and friends may feel relief and guilt at the same time – for wishing their loved ones to pass to end their suffering.

BELOW ARE SOME STEPS ON HOW TO GRIEVE:

  • circle Give yourself time to grieve:

    Allow yourself to feel your pain and go through it. It will pass with time – your own time. Finally, you will be left with the ability to move forward, a level of acceptance, memories, and the pain will be less sharp and urgent.
  • circle Talk to others:

    Keeping it all in is not a good way to handle the loss. The pain can seem overwhelming and it needs to be channelized. If you feel like you cannot talk to your family or friends, grief counselling in Winnipeg can be helpful.
  • circle Put everything on hold for a while:

    Rushing into a new relationship, making big changes in your life, running away from your problems should be something to avoid. This is called fleeing forward and it is a coping strategy only meant for avoiding your feelings that creates more confusion into your life then it helps solve your grief. However, you can also meet a grief therapist in Winnipeg for dealing with your feelings positively.
  • circle Seek out professional help:

    If you feel overwhelmed by your loss, it is always helpful to attend a grief counselling session in Winnipeg and talk to a professional about the loss to help you deal with your feelings and cope with the situation.

PERSONALITY CONFLICT

PERSONALITY CONFLICT

DISPUTES DUE TO INCOMPATIBILITY WITH PERSONALITIES

There would always be instances of “agreement” and “non-agreement” when dealing regularly with certain people. It is only normal to disagree if the other person’s view or interest does not match with ours. However, after listening to a few explanations and having a clearer view of what that person has to say, then there is a chance of agreeing with one another. 

Unfortunately, there is a thing called “Personality Conflict” If a person’s way of thinking, style of doing things, or overall lifestyle is incompatible with ours, then the chances of agreeing with that person is very slim – in fact, conflict is bound to happen.

WHERE DOES THIS PARTICULAR CONFLICT OCCUR - AND TO WHO?

If you know someone that you just can’t stand or couldn’t get along well with for no particular reason, then it is possible that your personality is conflicting with his/hers. Personality conflict may happen anywhere – with social circles, family members, but most commonly at work.

Personality conflicts mostly happen at work – especially if the two involved are part of the same group or department. Even if they don’t want to see or avoid each other, they couldn’t in such type of setting.

WHAT HAPPENS WHEN PERSONALITY CONFLICT IS NOT ADDRESSED PROPERLY?

Avoidance seems like the quickest solution – but its effect is also short and is not really that effective. Personality conflict has serious consequences like physical and mental stress, constant annoyance, lower productivity, emotionally draining, ineffectiveness, etc… Additionally, if you experience some of these negative feelings, it may also affect other people around you who are not directly involved in the conflict.

HOW TO HANDLE PERSONALITY CONFLICT

TRY AND ADDRESS THE ISSUE

This basically means defining the problem. It would be impossible to solve anything if we don’t know where the issue is stemming from. It might be from a small issue that irked you, a lingering difference in opinion, or because of the other person’s basic philosophy that is not inclined with yours.

THINK OF THE OTHER PERSON'S STRENGTH AND CONTRIBUTIONS

When we don’t go along well with someone, most of the things that we think about them are their faults which only infuriates us more. Try thinking of that person’s contribution and strength points. If we can see the person on a more positive light, we might not be too irritated the next time we see them (this is really handy for the next part)

APPROACH THE PERSON AND USE CO-OPERATIVE COMMUNICATION

Solving things means doing something. This step might the most difficult part as this requires action, an open mind, and a little bit of courage and patience. It is never easy to talk and discuss with a person whom you think makes your life a living hell (who knows, maybe the person views you the same as well so it’s time to clear things up) 

When talking with the person, use words that may not seem offensive. If you think that the person is purposely irking you, don’t return the favor. Choose your response delicately. Remember the whole point of talking with him/her is to solve the conflict – not to aggravate it.

WHAT TO DO WHEN THINGS DON'T GO AS PLANNED

There would be cases where the outcome is not what you expected. If the other person does not respond appropriately to end the conflict, here are some things you can do:

  • circle Be the bigger person. The other person’s view or actions may not be right to you but let us remember that people have different perspectives. So be the bigger person, have a wider understanding, and accept that fact.
  • circle When the discussion becomes heated, step out of the way. Staying and matching his/her argument may escalate tensions that may end up troubling both of you.
  • circle Don’t recruit allies. It’s normal to have someone to talk to when you are stressed. However, going to other people for the sole purpose of discussing what you don’t like about the other person may backfire to you.

Each person has their own unique trait and characteristic. This is why their views is not similar with ours. If interaction is unavoidable, conflicts and disputes due to personality differences may occur. Do something and don’t prolong it.

SEX THERAPY

INTIMACY THERAPY

WHY BE AFRAID OF THERAPY for Physical Intimacy Challenges?

Some people tend to shy away or feel embarrassed when talking about their sex life – especially if there is a problem involved. This is one of the reasons why some wouldn’t go to a sex therapist. Sex is a private matter, and discussing sexual problems to a total stranger is understandably uncomfortable. Another reason why people wouldn’t go for sex therapy counselling is because of misconceptions like one has to get naked, participate in an orgy, etc. As mentioned, these are just false impressions. The therapist would never advise or recommend something that is not appropriate for the patient/client.

THERAPY FOR PHYSICAL INTIMACY BASICS

The general definition of sex therapy in Winnipeg is quite straightforward – it is the treatment of sexual dysfunction. People have this notion that sexual problems sometimes solve with time; unfortunately, this is not true in all cases. There are sexual concerns that must (or need to) be consulted with a professional. These may include premature ejaculation, erectile dysfunction, sexual addiction, unwanted sexual fetishes, problems with sexual intimacy, etc.

Sexual dysfunction is not limited to couples in a relationship. Single individuals may also suffer from sexual problems and may also seek sex therapy counselling from a therapist to address the issue.

Although there are various professionals who can be considered as a sex therapist, that individual must have the qualifications to be one. The level of sexual awareness must go beyond their personal opinions and sexual experiences. It must be achieved through specialized training or enough years of practice/study to address the patient’s concern during counselling for sex therapy in Winnipeg.

REASONS TO VISIT A THERAPIST NOW!

YOU ARE NOT ALONE!

Thousands of people are suffering from sexual dysfunction. Some of them may have far more serious or embarrassing issues but are not ashamed to seek professional help.

TO LIVE A FULL LIFE

Any kind of problem causes stress and unhappiness – what more if it is sexual in nature. Lift the problem causing stress on the relationship or have enough confidence when entering one.

IT DETERMINES THE PROBLEM

Sometimes it’s hard to notice the root cause of the actual problem. We know there’s trouble but just couldn’t pinpoint what it is. Naturally, an unknown problem cannot be solved properly.

SEX THERAPISTS ARE PROFESSIONALS

Sex therapy counselling sessions will involve talking a lot about sex. Don’t worry though; a sex therapist has strong ethical boundaries and professional balance.

TO SOLVE THE FOLLOWING:

A person or couple having any issues below should strongly consider going to sex therapy:

  • circle Low sexual desire or just couldn’t get aroused
  • circle Partner who doesn’t have an orgasm or ejaculates too quickly
  • circle Boring sex life
  • circle Having pain during sex
  • circle Fear of doing some form (technique) of sex activity
  • circle Having porn addiction or any type of sexual fetishes

Reach Winnipeg Couples Clinic today and get help from top professionals!

PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING

PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING

WHAT IS PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING?

Planning for a wedding is an exciting activity. However, preparing to be married is an entirely different matter. This is why “Pre-Marital” counseling exists. Interestingly, a lot of people have this notion that counseling is only for people with problems. Or they have this fear that opening up any private issues to a counselor may only cause additional problems – which will then lead to the dissolution of the relationship and the marriage will no longer happen.

Luckily, this type of counseling is far from what these people have heard or think. Pre-marital counseling can be described as a type of therapy that helps and prepares couples for marriage. Think of it as an investment to ensure a longer relationship by discussing practical and important issues that will surely arise during married life. It will teach certain skills that will be of excellent use to make the marriage stronger.

WHAT ARE THE TOPICS DISCUSSED DURING PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING

Marriage is a long term commitment – and though no one can predict the future nor the problems that may arise along the way, couples can always be prepared. Pre-marital counseling is an opportunity to tackle / handle potential threats to marriage or issues that will have significant impact in the relationship. 

Listed below are some of the topics usually discussed during pre-marital counseling:

  • circle Kids – when is the best time to have them, how many, etc…
  • circle Financial related topics / monetary management
  • circle How committed the couple are with each other
  • circle Time or schedule concerns and how this will affect the marriage
  • circle Right balance of roles and responsibilities
  • circle What are the priorities of you and your mate
  • circle Marital fears
  • circle Knowing and handling post marriage depression
  • circle Jealous tendencies

BENEFITS OF PRE-MARITAL COUNSELLING

Aside from discussing important marital issues, pre-marital counseling also offers the following benefits:

  • circle It is a good venue to start discussing long term or immediate goals.
  • circle Pre-marital counseling offers a way on understanding your partner’s dynamics and marriage as a whole
  • circle It teaches the couple to expect surprises and that there will be hard days
  • circle It explains conflict resolution skills and improves communication skills between couples

Marriage is a serious commitment. It is a long term solemn union. Pre-marital counseling offers exploring relationship issues (and potential ones) to ensure a satisfying married life.

ANGER AND AGGRESSION

ANGER AND AGGRESSION

Overcome ANGER AND AGGRESSION

Anger is one of the basic human emotions.  It is a natural response that is triggered when an individual’s interest has been violated or disrespected. The level of anger may depend on the source of the violation or how much damage has been done on one’s boundaries. A person usually becomes angry when he/she has been threatened or mistreated – and this may bring about feelings of hostility, unpleasantness, or annoyance.

Aggression can be defined as the intent to harm others, whether it’s a physical or an emotional/psychological form of aggression. 
Some theorists claim aggression is an innate response to most threats and some people are naturally more aggressive than others. But other researchers defend aggression can be derived of a learning process – a form of education. Nonetheless, most aggressive responses are not socially accepted and may have serious repercussions on one’s life. 

ABUSE IN RELATIONSHIPS

Intimate relationships are intense, private, and often feel secure. These ingredients can create an environment that leads to aggressive speech and behaviour. Unfortunately, abuse is surprisingly common in romantic relationships. For example, about 6% of women report experiencing domestic violence in their relationships. It should also be noted that educational attainment does not appear to influence the rates of violence. Of course, the actual rates of violence are unknown, because these type of behaviours are often never revealed. 

INTERVENTIONS FOR ABUSIVE RELATIONSHIPS

Safety is the first priority when helping relationships that have experienced physical abuse. It is important to discuss what each partner can do to keep each other safe. Before engaging in a therapeutic process, it is important to have a commitment to stopping any physical violence. In fact, couples therapy is not recommended if violence cannot be stopped for the duration of the treatment. For couples in this situation, it would be important for each partner to engage in individual treatment to gain the skills required to have a safe relationship. 

CYCLE OF VIOLENCE

Understanding how the relationship functions over time is important. Often there is a cycle couples can identify that often involve elements of closeness, separation, frustration, triggers, violence, and apology. Although there are commonalities, every couple is unique and understanding this unique cycle can help couples to make changes that can stop they cycle’s progression. 

PERSONALITY

Sometimes couples come into relationships with strong personality patterns that conflict. It can be helpful for some couples to take personality testing to help understand how their personalities interact. This can also help each partner to focus on what they are doing to contribute to the issues in the relationship. 

ANGER MANAGEMENT

Managing impulsive angry responses can be challenging. Therapy can help in gaining insight into the experiences that have contributed to using anger to cope with difficult situations. It can also help in identifying triggers for anger and changing responses. A sincere commitment to managing anger is important in this process. 

MEETING NEEDS

Every relationship functions better when each person’s needs are being met. It can be difficult for partner to identify their own needs or communicate them effectively. It can also be difficult to hear the needs of your partner and actually follow through with meeting those needs. One of the major obstacles in this process is ongoing resentment. If you feel your partner doesn’t love you or doesn’t deserve to have their needs met, therapy can be important in resetting things and giving each other another opportunity to prove their love. 

POST-DIVORCE RECOVERY

POST-DIVORCE RECOVERY

RECOVERY after DIVORCE

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM DIVORCE?

Divorce is not a one-time event. It is a process that began before the “actual” divorce – and will continue long after the couple’s separation. But this doesn’t mean that one has to suffer on the entire duration of the process. Although there is no universal timeline or standard process on how to recover from divorce (as “recovery” depends on different factors which may vary per individual) – there are however, some common Do’s and Don’ts that may make life after divorce easier or harder.

FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT POST-DIVORCE RECOVERY

If you know someone that you just can’t stand or couldn’t get along well with for no particular reason, then it is possible that your personality is conflicting with his/her. Personality conflict may happen anywhere – with social circles, family members, but most commonly at work.

Personality conflicts mostly happen at work – especially if the two people involved are part of the same group or department. Even if they don’t want to see each other and try to avoid each other, the work setting makes this difficult.

DO'S AND DON'TS AFTER DIVORCE

Don’t force yourself to face the challenges alone.

  • circle Do welcome the help of others and let them know that you are not feeling well (especially concerned family and close friends).
  • circle Don’t hide your feelings, pretend that you are fine, and hope that everything will be ok – that all the pain will go away.
  • circle Do accept the new reality and let all “true” feelings surface. Openly accept obstacles, work it out, and have faith / believe in yourself that you can do it.
  • circle Don’t be afraid – particularly the fear of committing mistakes and not having the strength to continue on living.
  • circle Do regain your confidence. Mistakes will happen – learn from it. It is time to rediscover yourself, recognize your strengths, and move on to live a new life.

POST-DIVORCE RECOVERY ACTIVITIES

Knowing the factors affecting divorce recovery, plus the Do’s and Don’ts, does somewhat help to cope with life after divorce. Unfortunately, there are some who are seemingly stuck and couldn’t continue living a normal life. 

Divorce is painful. Although it does represent the end of the marital relationship, it does not follow the end of life. Below are some helpful activities that helps in post-divorce recovery:

KEEP YOURSELF BUSY

Instead of grieving, keep busy. Some people busy themselves by reading books, making a journal, discovering a hobby, studying something or even going to school.

REIGNITE SOCIAL LIFE

This basically includes finding a strong support network either through friends or family.  A support group may also come from online sources but tread with caution.

LEARN TO LET GO

It’s difficult – but the sooner this is realized, the better. It’s time to reflect on new sources or what makes you happy nowadays. Accept the reality and be true to yourself.

SEEK PROFESSIONAL HELP

Sometimes, it takes professional help to recover from emotional devastation brought on by divorce. Don’t be embarrassed to seek professional, expert help or advice. 

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

SEPARATION

SEPARATION AND DIVORCE

Statistically speaking, most couples take about 4 years before deciding to get a divorce. Before that decision is made, a couple can go through a period of separation and reconciliation. Upon the completion of the reconciliation period, you can make a decision whether to continue the relationship.

DIFFERENT TYPES OF SEPARATION

LIVING APART

Couples who are no longer living together under the same roof; living apart, may also be considered as part of the trial separation process. It enables them to stay at separate dwellings.

TRIAL SEPARATION

When a couple decides to live apart for some time, it‘s the time to reconsider whether to get back together or push through divorce. It is an informal agreement for a specific period of time.

SURPRISE SEPARATION

Without prior notice, one of the partners decides to leave and end the marriage. No negotiations are made and no agreements whatsoever! It leaves a very confused partner with many unanswered questions.

CONTROLLED / MANAGED SEPARATION

Controlled separation involves a mediator to control and guide the situation for avoiding a divorce. The mediator is usually a therapist.

​PERMANENT SEPARATION

The couples have given up on any form of reconciliation and are beginning to leave the marriage. This may happen after a trial separation and often proceeds to legal separation.

LEGAL SEPARATION

Couples sign the divorce papers and decide that they no longer wish to stay married. At this point, both partners are free to re-marry.

CHOOSING BETWEEN SEPARATION OR DIVORCE

Love is one of the many reasons why people get married. Love is a beautiful thing; and anything wonderful is worth saving. This is why couples undergo a separation period to attempt to save the relationship. Divorce is the end of marriage; and once decided, there’s no going back.

Before making a decision on ending your marriage, it’s always best to try every possible approach and take necessary measures for saving your marriage. When it works, marriage is one of the most powerful relationships. It is also a source of love, support, and acceptance. That’s why marriage is always worth saving to rediscover the love and affection. A couple’s therapist can help you make that decision with its professional divorce counselling services.

Separation and divorce are never easy. It usually brings tremendous grief. Breaking-up is never a solution but it is a choice. Divorce therapy is always focused on saving the relationship. No need to hesitate, no need to waste a single moment; it is time to seek expert help to get therapy for divorced couples. Remember, it is always better to rediscover love in a relationship than ending the same.

Did you know? It mainly affects the kids in the case of couples with children. If you are confused and found it hard to make a decision, get help from the experts of Winnipeg Couples Clinic. Our professional therapy for divorced parents is well-designed and effective. We provide unbiased solutions such that you will get to know the pros and cons of divorce and legal separation.