Parental separation and divorce involve multiple, simultaneous psychological demands: grief, identity disruption, practical upheaval, co-parenting challenges, and often legal proceedings. The psychological impact can be significant for both adults and children (Amato, 2010).
We support both adults and children through:
Separation commonly produces:
Parental separation is one of the most common life stressors in Australia, with over 50,000 divorces registered annually. The psychological effects are significant and often underestimated (Amato, 2010).
Separation involves simultaneous losses — of the partner, the family unit, the shared home, the envisioned future, and often the social network built around the relationship. Grief for these multiple losses is real, even when the separation was desired or necessary (Worden, 2018).
Effective support addresses:
Children’s adjustment to parental separation is strongly predicted by the level of interparental conflict — supporting parents to co-parent effectively is one of the most protective interventions available (Amato, 2010).
Our psychologists use approaches tailored to the specific demands of separation:
Processes the multiple losses inherent in separation — using evidence-based grief models to support mourning without becoming stuck in prolonged grief disorder or unresolved anger (Worden, 2018).
Addresses the catastrophic thinking about the future, self-blame, and avoidance behaviours that amplify psychological distress following separation. Builds practical coping strategies and problem-solving skills for navigating the transition.
Evidence-based strategies for managing conflict, communicating effectively, and making child-focused decisions with a former partner. Particularly valuable where ongoing conflict is affecting children or legal proceedings are underway.
Supporting children’s adjustment to family change through age-appropriate individual therapy and parent coaching. Children often show behavioural, emotional, or academic difficulties following separation that benefit from professional support.
We provide letters for family court proceedings where clinically appropriate.
Your first appointment explores where you are in the separation process, what is most pressing, and what you most need support with.
We see individuals, co-parents together (where appropriate), and children. Family law letters can be provided where clinically appropriate.
Telehealth is available — particularly useful for clients managing the practical demands of single parenting.
We offer appointments in-clinic at our Mooroolbark, Wheelers Hill, Reservoir, and Melbourne CBD locations, as well as Telehealth sessions from anywhere in Australia.
WorkCover, NDIS or TAC approved? YOU PAY NOTHING.
If your claim has been approved, we bill your funder directly. Zero out-of-pocket cost — no gap, no upfront payment, nothing.
Separation is one of life’s hardest transitions. You don’t have to navigate it alone.
Our psychologists are trained in a wide range of evidence-based approaches across many presentations. Browse our full directory of conditions and therapies we work with.
Amato, P. R. (2010). Research on divorce: Continuing trends and new developments. Journal of Marriage and Family, 72(3), 650–666. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1741-3737.2010.00723.x
Worden, J. W. (2018). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health practitioner (5th ed.). Springer.
