Dr. David Hawkins discusses the benefits of separation, and how space away from one another is often necessary to the healing process.
What are the Benefits of Separation?
Separation within a marriage is often perceived as a last resort, a desperate measure taken by individuals who have reached a point of distress. Initially, many people, including myself, were skeptical about the idea of separations due to the negative statistics associated with them.
However, after engaging in conversations with numerous women who have initiated separations, I have come to realize that there are times when separations can be not only appropriate but also necessary. This article explores the benefits of separation, the reasons behind it, and the potential for reconciliation.
Regaining a Sense of Self
One of the primary benefits of separation is the opportunity it provides for individuals to regain a sense of self that may have been lost within the context of their marriage. Many women who seek separation do so in an act of desperation to reclaim their emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. Separation allows them the space to think clearly, put issues in perspective, and reassess their needs and desires.
Relief from Emotional Abuse and Conflict
Separation can provide a respite from emotional abuse, contention, and conflict within a strained marriage. By creating physical distance, individuals can find relief from the toxic dynamics that have been plaguing their relationship. This break can offer much-needed clarity and perspective on the issues at hand.
Facilitating Clarity and Evaluation
Space and time apart through separation enable individuals to think more objectively and evaluate their relationship. It allows for a thorough examination of the problems that led to the separation and helps determine the necessary changes for lasting improvement. Separation provides an opportunity to gain insight into one’s own actions and the impact they have had on the marriage.
Opportunity for Reconciliation
Despite the initial distress that leads to separation, most individuals still hope for reconciliation with their partner. The separation period acts as a time for both individuals to reflect on themselves and their relationship, with the aim of identifying areas that require change. This process can lay the groundwork for an eventual reconciliation if both parties are willing to work on the necessary improvements.
Assistance and Guidance
Separations are significant life events that require thoughtful handling and support. Seeking expert guidance from professionals who specialize in relationship dynamics can be invaluable during this challenging time. Counselors can help individuals navigate the separation process, establish guidelines, address financial and familial matters, and work towards effective communication and resolution.
Conclusion
While separations are never undertaken lightly and are often seen as drastic measures, they can offer significant benefits for individuals seeking to regain a sense of self and evaluate their troubled marriages.
By providing relief from emotional abuse and conflict, creating space for clarity and evaluation, and offering the potential for reconciliation, separations can be transformative. It is crucial for both parties to approach separation with open hearts, seek expert guidance, and engage in honest self-reflection for lasting change to occur.
To learn how we can help, reach out to us at (206) 219-0145 or info@marriagerecoverycenter.com to speak with a Client Care Specialist
Also read: Why Narcissists Can’t Express Their Needs
About Dr. Hawkins:
The internet is inundated with hyperbole and misinformation about narcissism, leaving many people confused and hopeless. Get the facts on narcissism and emotional abuse from someone who has been researching, writing about and treating narcissism and emotional abuse for over a decade.
Dr. Hawkins is a best-selling author and clinical psychologist with over three decades of experience helping people break unhealthy patterns and build healthier relationships.
He is the founder and director of the Marriage Recovery Center and the Emotional Abuse Institute which offers education, training and counseling for people who want to break free of, and heal from, emotional abuse. Whether the perpetrator of the abuse is your spouse, partner, parent, boss, friend or family member, we offer practical advice for anyone trapped in a toxic, destructive relationship.
In addition to narcissism & emotional abuse, you’ll learn about the lesser known forms of abuse, including covert abuse, reactive abuse, spiritual abuse, secondary abuse, relationship trauma and much more.
