Relationships Ireland

Separation Support Services

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 separation and divorce. If you attend together or individually for counselling 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.

Life after separation and divorce

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.