Therapeutic Separation

A therapeutic separation is an intentional process

therapeutically crafted to help bring about safety, stability, and

individual and relational insight. When done purposefully, it can offer

guidance and direction to both the individual and the couple. This deliberate

and structured period should be temporary. As the couple is in an intentional

period of separation, each partner works on goals to learn about themselves and

how they show up in the relationship. They then work with their

support system, such as a therapist and/or sponsor, to implement changes to

address these specific concerns.

The purpose

of a therapeutic separation is to create space for reflection and growth,

thus leading to the development of a healthier relationship whether the couple decides

to reintegrate or discontinue. Reintegration may not always be the outcome

though, as doing the work individually and as a couple can manifest results

leading to more needed space or termination of the relationship.

Taking a therapeutic separation in your relationship shouldn't feel like you are plunging into the unknown. With proper assistance and support, a therapeutic separation may provide safety, clarity, and healing. That said, choosing this delicate path requires care and guidance. This workbook will walk you through the process of a healthy and productive therapeutic separation from beginning to end. The instruction and exercises in this workbook will help you create a robust therapeutic separation and evaluate what you need moving forward.

In this workbook you will:

Evaluate if a separation is right for youCreate a therapeutic separation plan based on your relationship, needs, and boundariesLearn how to disclose the separation to your children, family, and friendsUnderstand how your history is connected to your presentComplete individual and relationship goals based on your planAssess what you need as you move forward after a therapeutic separation