Considering Separation in 2026? Let’s Talk About the Decision You’re Already Making

If you’re listening to this episode, chances are the question isn’t “Should I leave?”
It’s “Why am I still here - and what is this costing me and my children?”

In this episode, I speak directly to parents who are contemplating separation in 2026 - especially those who have been living in chronic high-conflict, coercive, or emotionally unsafe relationships and are quietly carrying the weight of indecision.

We unpack a hard but important truth: not choosing is still a choice - and time itself becomes a decision with consequences.

This is not a conversation about rushing separation, issuing ultimatums, or “just leaving.”
It is a grounded, child-focused discussion about:

• The difference between fear-based staying and values-aligned decision-making
• How to begin thinking strategically (not emotionally) about separation as a process, not a moment
• What preparation, capacity-building, and evidence-based planning can look like before any formal step is taken

I also speak to the internal conflict many protective parents experience - wanting to minimise disruption for their children while simultaneously knowing that the current environment is already harming them.

If this episode resonates and you’re not ready for 1:1 coaching - or you’re simply not ready to decide yet - my small-group experience Separation Curious is designed for exactly this stage.

It’s a structured, child-focused space to slow the process down, build clarity and capacity, understand the real implications of different pathways, and think strategically about what comes next - without pressure to separate.

As always, this episode is not legal advice and not therapy.
It is an educational coaching-based, research-informed conversation designed to help you zoom out, regulate, and think clearly about the path you’re already on - and whether it aligns with the parent you want to be in 2026 and beyond.

If you’re feeling stuck, overwhelmed, or quietly preparing in your own mind, this episode is for you.

Explore the supports mentioned in this episode:

The Post-Separation Parenting Blueprint™
Evidence-based education to help you understand child development, safety, parenting arrangements, and post-separation dynamics
👉 https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com.au/the-post-separation-parenting-blueprint-1

AI Danielle
Guided, structured support to help you think, plan, regulate, and reflect between coaching sessions
👉 https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com.au/meet-ai-danielle

Small Group Experiences (2026)
Facilitated, topic-specific groups offering education, perspective, and shared learning — without court-specific advice
👉 https://www.danielleblackcoaching.com.au/group-events

1:1 Coaching with Danielle, Tru

About Danielle Black:

Danielle Black is a respected authority in child-focused post-separation parenting in Australia. With over twenty years’ experience in education, counselling and coaching - and her own lived experience navigating a complex separation - she helps parents advocate strategically and protect their children’s safety and wellbeing.

Learn more at danielleblackcoaching.com.au
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This podcast is for educational purposes only and not legal advice. Please seek independent legal, medical, financial, or mental health advice for your situation.