Introduction
Separation refers to people who were previously married but mutually chose to go separate ways. The separation time can be short-term for months or long-term for years. This insinuates that the pair opted to part ways, therefore, they have agreed in unison to discrete their financial obligation, assets, roles, and responsibilities as parents. However, the duo has not yet decided to initiate a divorce. During the separation phase, both parties formulate a separation agreement that aids them in taking care of their children (Knopp et al., 2017). This paper aims to discuss advisory deliberations, expected effects due to separation, and the most effective family counseling techniques.
Counseling Considerations for Couple, Family, and Children
The counseling technique preferred for Peter and his wife, Marla, in finding a solution for separation is couple therapy. Professional guidance in resolving their differences is the main objective of offering psychotherapy. The due advice is accorded by therapists who are licensed and have the skills in engaging the pair without any form of confrontation. Since the couple is considered to care for each other and feel working on their issues, psychotherapy will provide remedies to the problems caused (Knopp et al., 2017). For instance, through professional advisory, problems detected are loss of jobs and extramarital affairs, among other challenges, will be sorted out through productive consultation and mentorship.
The advisory deliberation for the family is referred to as systemic therapy. The approach is inclusive to all family members; for instance, in the case scenario given, the treatment will entail Peter and his wife Marla and their two sons, Kevin and Jared. The family guidance session involves cognitive behavior therapy that tackles the behavior and mindset of the family members (Conway et al., 2020). Each member has an opportunity to have self-reflection and thus increase the capacity to know oneself regarding the family life cycle. Additionally, children can articulate challenges experienced during separation without any fear or favor, and solutions are deliberated.
The guidance rumination of children is counseling that will decrease the adverse effects felt during that period. In the case provided, Jared and Kevin are to be subjected to a family counselor who will accord them significant attention, empathy, and an opportunity to express all the aggression and difficulties experienced during the separation period (Knopp et al., 2017). The remedies provided will be therapeutic in helping the boys develop coping mechanisms and could not be provided by parents because they too were undergoing stressful and moments of great emotional pain.
Potential Effects of Separation on Couple, Family, and Children
Recent studies illustrate that separated due suffer from emotional torture such as depression compared to the married pair. As a result of depression, suicidal ideations may develop between the two partners. Additionally, self-perception and self-esteem will deteriorate significantly, leading to a decreased obligation to roles and responsibilities performed as a father and mother. Consequently, research points out that the couple will experience a predicament in raising the children since they will not teach their kids matters regarding family (Conway et al., 2020). Also, since the pair is emotionally hurt, there will be limited time spent with family members leading to isolation from people around them.
The relationship changes in that hatred and rage will manifest, resulting in to change of mental ideation among the family members. Lack of trust from children to parents becomes evident since the love shown towards children decreases, creating more gaps in family cohesion (Knopp et al., 2017). The family will disintegrate, leading to members making their own choice without consulting each other. Since the family assets have been divided, the family’s economic status will depreciate.
The children will be subjected to poor performances in school due to a lack of encouragement and attention in performing homework. James and Kevin will lack interest in associating with other children, thus developing anhedonia. Research indicates that some children whose parents are separated tend to feel insecure and keep on wondering about their family structure (Conway et al., 2020). In addition, children become emotionally agitated because separation brings confusion and angry feelings. Children may find it challenging to adapt to change as a result of presented family dynamics.
Therapeutic Techniques for Family Counselling
Psychotherapy is paramount in providing insight and offers an opportunity to understand one another and aid in settling family challenges. Psychoeducation effectively explains to the family members why such phenomena as separation emanate and ways of curbing the challenge. Cognitive behavior therapy is resourceful in helping the family members to give their mental perceptions regarding the situation (Varghese et al., 2020). Besides mental creativity, the members can understand the importance of behavior change in helping overcome the separation predicament.
Conclusion
In recent times, family separation has been alarming, creating a concern for health care providers. Some causes lead to family separation, such as loss of jobs, and extramarital affairs, among other factors. Numerous family effects may result if the couple’s differences are not solved in due time. Consequences that may arise include depression, anger, anxiety, and children’s poor performance at school. Therapeutic interventions such as psychotherapy, cognitive behavior therapy, and Psychoeducation are effective in curbing the separation situation.
References
Conway, C. A., Roy, K., Hurtado Choque, G. A., & Lewin, A. (2020). Family separation and parent-child relationships among Latinx immigrant youth. Journal of Latinx Psychology, 8(4), 300. Web.
Knopp, K., Rhoades, G. K., Allen, E. S., Parsons, A., Ritchie, L. L., Markman, H. J., & Stanley, S. M. (2017). Withinâand betweenâfamily associations of marital functioning and child wellâbeing. Journal of Marriage and Family, 79(2), 451-461. Web.
Varghese, M., Kirpekar, V., & Loganathan, S. (2020). Family interventions: Basic principles and techniques. Indian Journal of Psychiatry, 62(Suppl 2), S192âS200. Web.