Defining the Issues
It's hard to solve a problem if I don't know what it is. Extreme marital troubles might seem like the elephant in the room, but you can't quite see what it is.
Developing a Treatment Focus
Time and separation alone solves nothing. A direction and plan for growth, treatment and reconciliation is the most critical component in the Structured Separation process.
Creating a Contract
The Separation contract closes out the old unhealthy relationship and specifies the rules, responsibilities and expectations for the beginning of the new relationship.
Implementing and Monitoring
Growth Based Structured Separations are a long process. Generally 12 to 18 months in length. Essential to it's success, is a plan to implement and monitor the progress during this time of healing and growth.
The Process
Why a Family Mediator instead of a Therapist or Attorney.Though both the therapist and the attorney play important and significant roles in the Growth Based Structured Separation, many authors who have studied Structured Separations argue that therapists cannot keep up with the complex issues related to Property, pensions, retirements, taxes, support, custody issues, and so forth, and that attorneys are not well trained to deal with the complex emotional issues surrounding a couple experiencing marital troubles. Well trained Family mediators have the ability to start the Growth Based Structured Separation process and help the spouses formulate their plan and a reconciliation contract.
Finding the Right Therapist
Having the right therapist that understands the mission of the Growth Based Structured Separation is vitally important. This link provides a list of therapists and counselors that I have met with that understand the goals and objectives of a Structured Separation and the commitment required to help couple succeed.