In this episode, Jinohn Marr, LMFT, and Armando Martinez, LPC, take over to discuss a topic many parents struggle with: why children often fall apart after transitioning back from the other parent’s home. They explain that these transitions can be emotionally demanding because children are shifting back into a different set of expectations, routines, and emotional needs. Armando reminds us that this adjustment period is normal, and Jinohn describes how it can look different across ages—whether younger kids become clingy, tearful, or overwhelmed, or older kids show sadness, irritability, boundary-testing, or withdrawal. They emphasize that it’s completely typical for children to need time to settle back in as they re-regulate and reconnect with the rhythm of your home.

Jinohn and Armando share practical ways to support smoother transitions, including keeping boundaries and expectations as similar as possible between households, offering a snack to help stabilize mood and energy, and allowing space for a simple, relaxed environment rather than jumping into a full, busy schedule. These small adjustments help children feel steadier, safer, and more connected during the emotional shift between homes.

Taking care of your relationship with your child is especially important during the holiday season. Our Countering Alienation course gives you practical tools to protect and strengthen that bond—even in high-conflict situations. Register here: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

If this episode was helpful, please share it with someone—maybe even your co-parent—and leave a rating to help more families find the support they need.

In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S, talk about the importance of intentionally planning for your family in the event of divorce. Just like a wedding requires coordination and preparation, a divorce—especially when children are involved—benefits from thoughtful, collaborative planning. Michael and Jennifer discuss how communication between both parties can make all the difference in creating a smoother, healthier transition. They explore the value of discussing the practical pieces early on: where the children will live, how you’ll make decisions moving forward, and what your parenting plan will look like for visits, holidays, and day-to-day routines. They also highlight the importance of outlining how you will co-parent together and what communication will look like so that each person knows what to expect from the other. And of course, they touch on the legal components that will need to be finalized—such as custody agreements, child support, and other court-required decisions. By planning ahead with clarity and child-focused intention, families can navigate divorce with greater stability, predictability, and care.

If you found this episode helpful, please rate and review the show to help more families find this support.

Register for the Countering Alienation course to protect your relationship with your child and gain the tools you need to navigate high-conflict dynamics with clarity and confidence here: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S, and Armando Martinez, LPC, explore what happens with in-laws when a divorce occurs between you and your spouse—an issue that often feels even more present during the holiday season. They discuss how extended family members experience their own grief, confusion, and loyalty binds, and why these dynamics make it important to thoughtfully redefine your relationship with former in-laws. Armando explains how in-laws can unintentionally add to the conflict by overstepping, fueling resentment, or putting children in the middle, while Michael highlights why these patterns can be so harmful for kids. Together, they share ways to avoid these pitfalls by creating boundaries that keep interactions healthy, respectful, and truly child-focused. In-laws can still play a meaningful and positive role when everyone stays clear, grounded, and aligned with what matters most.

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Keep moving forward.

In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S, and Arrianna Cervantes, LPC-Associate, explore how to truly hear your child during and after divorce—without leading, influencing, or burdening them. They talk about the importance of asking open-ended, neutral questions that create the emotional space children need for genuine honesty. Arrianna reminds us that you don’t have to fix everything your child shares; often, your calm presence is the support they’re really asking for. Michael and Arrianna also discuss how to validate a child’s experience without adding guilt or responsibility, as well as how to acknowledge their truth in a way that feels safe and grounded. Together, they share ways to empower kids with developmentally appropriate choices—options that give a sense of control while still keeping the adult in the role of decision-maker. When children feel heard, they begin to heal, and giving them a voice doesn’t mean handing them the weight of adult problems; it means offering curiosity, compassion, and connection.

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In this episode, Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist Jinohn Marr sits down with Michael Flores, LPC-S, for an in-depth conversation about one of the most painful challenges parents face during high-conflict divorce: alienation. Jinohn flips the script and interviews Michael about what alienation really is, how to recognize it early, and the emotional impact it has on both children and the targeted parent.

Michael breaks down the subtle and not-so-subtle signs that a child may be feeling pressure, confusion, or loyalty binds — from sudden withdrawal and irritability, to repeating negative narratives, to refusing parenting time altogether. They explore how these behaviors often mask deeper emotions like fear, guilt, and feeling stuck in the middle.

Jinohn also asks Michael about the experience of the parent on the receiving end — the helplessness, grief, frustration, and fear that come when you feel your relationship with your child slipping away. Michael offers insight, validation, and compassion for parents who feel unseen and overwhelmed by the dynamic.

Together, they discuss what parents can do: staying grounded, responding rather than reacting, creating stability, and prioritizing connection over conflict. They explore how parents can protect their relationship with their child without escalating the situation — and without losing themselves in the process.

This episode also highlights Michael’s Countering Alienation Course, a step-by-step program designed to help parents navigate these dynamics with clarity and confidence. The course teaches you how to identify alienating behaviors, respond effectively, rebuild trust with your child, and maintain a stable, connected relationship even in high-conflict circumstances.

If you’ve ever felt confused, dismissed, or deeply worried about your child’s changing behavior during a contentious divorce, this episode will help you feel seen, supported, and equipped with the tools you need to move forward.

You can register for Countering Alienation to begin repairing your relationship with your child and learn how to respond more effectively to your co-parent here: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S, sits down with Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S, to help parents understand how divorce can affect children and when it may be time to seek professional support. They discuss the different ways kids may show that they are struggling — from emotional changes like sadness or irritability, to behavioral shifts, physical symptoms such as stomachaches, or academic decline. Children may also feel responsible for the divorce, feel stuck in the middle of parental conflict, or experience intense pressure navigating shifting family dynamics.

Michael and Jennifer explore what parents need to consider when deciding on therapy, emphasizing the value of early intervention. Having a professional assess your child or family can guide you to the right type of support, whether that’s individual counseling, family therapy, or both. They also highlight the importance of parental agreement whenever possible, as a unified approach helps children feel safer and more supported.

Jennifer shares practical guidance on supporting your child through therapy: respect their privacy, let them reflect on their feelings and sessions at their own pace, and understand that progress can vary — some kids move quickly, while others need more time and patience. Parents are encouraged to trust the process and give themselves grace alongside their child.

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If you’re struggling with the distance between you and your child and an ex who keeps undermining you, you need this course — 'Countering Alienation' will help you rebuild trust and respond without feeding the conflict. Get started today: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH

Use code POD at checkout for $50 off!

In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez, LPC unpack one of the most common — yet often misunderstood — emotional experiences during divorce: anxiety. They explore the difference between angst — that sense of restlessness, unease, or tension — and anxiety, which is a more persistent state of fear or dread often focused on the future. Divorce can bring a sudden loss of predictability — new routines, financial worries, custody schedules, and court proceedings — all of which can stir up anxiety in both parents and children.

Armando explains what clinical anxiety looks like from a therapeutic lens, including how it differs from everyday worry, and how it shows up in kids who may not have the words to express what they’re feeling. You’ll learn why irritability, stomachaches, and withdrawal are often anxiety in disguise — and how maintaining consistency and reassurance can help children regain a sense of safety during so much change.

This episode also mentions our Countering Alienation Course, a self-paced program designed to help parents respond effectively to alienating behaviors and protect their relationship with their child. It’s not about proving alienation — it’s about learning how to stay grounded, connected, and resilient when conflict runs high. You can access the course here (use the code POD at checkout for $50 off!): https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

If you’ve ever felt like worry is running the show during or after your divorce, this conversation will help you understand what’s happening beneath the surface — and what you can do to bring calm back to yourself and your family.

Children hear more than our words — they hear our tone, our silence, and the energy we bring into a room. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Arrianna Cervantes, LPC-Associate dive into how kids are always listening, even when you’re not directly talking to them about their other parent.

They explore how your nonverbal cues — your calmness, reactions, and overall demeanor — shape your child’s sense of safety. The dynamics they observe between their parents deeply impact how secure they feel, and how they learn to navigate a life between two homes.

💬 In This Episode:

How children pick up on what you don’t say out loud

Why emotional safety starts with how parents treat each other

The roles children fall into when they sense their parents aren’t okay — the distractor, gatekeeper, or avoider

The importance of keeping adult conversations in adult spaces

How to model emotional regulation and respect, even when co-parenting is hard

What it really means to model calm and maturity when facing your ex

🗝️ Key Takeaways:

Kids hear everything. Protect their peace and innocence — let them be children.

Respect your co-parent relationship for the sake of your child’s emotional wellbeing.

Model the behavior you want your child to learn.

🔗 Related Episode:

🎙️ The Roles Children Play in Divorce

https://podcastle.ai/show/beyond-divorce-embracing-change-eKisiArX/the-roles-children-play-in-divorce-7FNMcf6g

🌿 Resource Mentioned:

If you’re struggling with alienation or high-conflict co-parenting, check out our online course:

👉 Countering Alienation: A Parent’s Guide to Reconnecting With Your Child

This course helps you learn how to respond to alienating behaviors — not just react — and includes a 31-page workbook to guide your next steps.

https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

🙏 Support the Show:

If this episode encouraged or helped you, please rate and review the podcast. Your feedback helps other parents find hope and practical help after divorce.

In this episode, we explore why taking a family approach to therapy can be one of the most powerful ways to create lasting change—especially for families navigating divorce.

We talk about how parents often come into therapy hoping the counselor will “see” their perspective or prove the other parent wrong. But real healing begins when we shift the focus toward curiosity, trust, and the bigger picture of family well-being.

We remind parents that growth rarely happens inside our comfort zones. This season of divorce may feel overwhelming, but it won’t last forever. The question to keep in mind is: What kind of future do you want for your child—and how can you help create it, starting now?

Whether you’re in the middle of divorce or finding your footing afterward, this conversation offers encouragement and practical perspective for the road ahead.

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Love doesn’t always end when a marriage does—and that leftover love can show up in surprising ways during co-parenting. In this episode, we share some of the things we, as counselors, notice when one or both parents may still be in love with the other. Sometimes it shows up not as affection, but as intense anger. We talk about how people often set you up to feel what they’re feeling, and how holding onto past pain can create even more challenges in your co-parenting relationship.

We also discuss three key practices that not only improve co-parenting but also help you heal: being vulnerable, speaking your truth, and staying flexible. Vulnerability can feel risky—many parents fear their ex will use it against them—but the reality is, if someone wants to use something against you, they will regardless. By choosing to be vulnerable, you create the possibility for deeper healing and may even open the door for your co-parent to soften and be vulnerable, too.

If you’ve ever wondered why it feels so hard to fully move forward after divorce, or if old wounds keep showing up in your co-parenting relationship, this episode will give you clarity and practical steps to begin healing.

If you find this conversation helpful, please take a minute to rate and review the show—it helps us reach and support more families like yours.