If your relationship is about to end or has ended, Relationships Ireland are here to help. We understand how difficult relationship endings are and how much more complicated it can be when children are involved. We are here to make sure that you get the support and assistance you need during this time.

Separation counselling

The decision to separate is not an easy one even if you haven’t been close for a long time. You may be the one who wants to leave or be the one who is left behind and naturally may have concerns about how the affect this will have. Talking it over with a professional can help you to work through painful feelings and take practical steps. We often see couples and individuals at various stages of separation who are trying to figure out the future even if they will no longer remain as a couple. If you have children it becomes especially important that the impact of your break-up on them is minimised.

Life after separation and divorce

If you are already separated and finding it difficult to cope with what has happened, we can provide support and advice . Many separated people find our ‘Surviving Separation’ groups an invaluable support at this time.

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Separation Counselling

“It’s over and now what do I do?”

The end of a relationship comes with a complex set of emotions such as denial, anger, guilt, rejection, sadness, regret, depression and anxiety. These are all normal reactions and the sequence and intensity of these emotions can vary depending on whether you were the one to initiate the separation or the one who has been left. In either case it can be difficult to know how to move on and what to do next and there may be a lot of mixed feelings and uncertainty, which can be very stressful.

Some people will feel deep down that their relationship is not salvageable, that there is no hope in trying to stay together. It is natural to want to ignore these feelings at first, as any alternative to being together is too hard to contemplate. Little by little it becomes harder to avoid recognising that the relationship is irretrievable and sadly, this is sometimes a one-sided awareness – the other person in the relationship may not share the same feelings or want to talk about separating.

Here at Relationships Ireland we are trained to work with the emotional impact of your situation. If you attend together or individually you will find the help you need to express the huge range of feelings, the anger, the hurt, the sadness, the confusion, the fear which will, over time, enable you to go your separate ways as amicably as possible. You will find the support to help you through the difficult and complex emotional process until you feel ready to move on.

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Life after separation and divorce

“Will I ever get over this?”

Separation and divorce is now much more common than before and is becoming more socially acceptable in our society. However it still has a huge impact on the individuals involved and for some people it can be a more complex loss than a bereavement with many people who have gone through it still affected years later.
Separation and divorce affects each person in different ways. Some people may feel stuck and wondering when life is going to begin again. Even if they have moved on in their lives they may realise that it is still having a powerful effect. Some may be repeating the same unhelpful patterns from their previous relationship in new relationships. Others may possibly be avoiding intimate relationships altogether.
Here at Relationships Ireland we recognise that separation and divorce is a huge life change and can be an on-going challenge in people’s lives especially if they are still in contact with their ex-partner and there are children involved . There is help and support available whether you wish to see someone on your own or in a group format.

Separation Support Group
One of the difficult yet common experiences of people who separate is their sense of isolation, that no-one else really understands. Our separation support groups represent an opportunity for separated people to talk about issues affecting them, to share feelings and thoughts, and to give and receive support. Supported by our experienced facilitators, participants can set the agenda and the group will be facilitated in a safe and confidential space. You can attend for just one session or as many as you need.

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Endings and New Beginnings

“I’d like to meet new people but I’m nervous”

The end of a relationship is often followed by a period of adjustment and recovery. Eventually for many people there comes a time when they may want to start meeting new people, make new friends and possibly start a new relationship.
We recognise that there may be some uncertainty and nervousness in meeting new people whether you just want to make friends or decide you might like to start dating, particularly where people are starting out again as a single person having been part of a couple for a long time. Understandably you may be feeling unsure and want to avoid repeating the same mistakes. If you are starting again and would like some help building your confidence, we can help you with this.

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