Beyond Divorce: Embracing Change

When your kids are with their other parent, it can bring up anxiety, fear, and a sense of loss—especially for moms who have carried the emotional weight of parenting. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC, and Jinohn Marr, LMFT explore why letting go feels so hard and how control often grows out of fear, not failure.

Together, they discuss how control shows up during co-parenting, how kids experience it, and what actually helps moms stay connected without hovering or abandoning their role. Michael and Jinohn also remind listeners that high-conflict situations require strategy, structure, and support—not blame or shame.

This episode offers reassurance, practical insight, and a reminder that you can support your child even when you’re not the one parenting in the moment.

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🎓 To learn more about protecting your relationship with your child and responding effectively to alienation dynamics, explore Countering Alienation, our course designed to help parents move forward with clarity and confidence here: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S, and Arrianna Cervantes, LPC-Associate, explore a question many people quietly carry: “Will therapy actually work for me?” Whether you’ve had a disappointing experience in the past or you’re unsure how counseling is supposed to help, this conversation invites listeners to shift from fear-based expectations to a fit-based mindset. Michael and Arrianna discuss how therapy isn’t about performing, pleasing the therapist, or saying the “right” things—it’s about showing up as you are and engaging honestly with the process.

They walk through key questions clients can ask themselves before and during counseling, such as identifying your hopes for therapy and reflecting on whether you’re being fully honest so your therapist can truly help you. The conversation also highlights the importance of being an informed consumer of therapy—encouraging clients to ask therapists about their therapeutic approach, what sessions typically look like, and the types of clients they most often work with. Finding the right fit means choosing a therapist and setting where you feel safe enough to be real, supported enough to stay engaged, and challenged enough to grow—without shame.

Michael and Arrianna also address therapy in more complex situations, including court-ordered counseling and counseling while in litigation. They emphasize that therapy is meant to feel a little uncomfortable at times and that real progress comes from showing up with your genuine thoughts, concerns, and openness to the process. When clients stop trying to do therapy “the right way” and instead do it their way, therapy becomes far more effective and meaningful.

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In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S, and Jinohn Marr, LMFT, break down the often misunderstood role of CPS (Child Protective Services, as it’s called in Texas) and how it intersects with family court and the therapeutic process. They explain what CPS is, when and how it becomes involved in family law cases, and the role it may play alongside therapists when concerns about a child’s safety arise. Michael and Jinohn walk through the primary categories CPS evaluates, including physical neglect, medical neglect, physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, abandonment, and neglectful supervision, helping parents better understand what these terms actually mean in practice.

They discuss when it is appropriate to contact CPS—specifically when a child is in imminent or immediate danger—and why that threshold matters. When concerns do not rise to that level, Michael and Jinohn explain why attempting to discuss concerns with the other parent can be an important and necessary first step, even though many parents understandably feel hesitant or afraid to do so. They explore how children’s stories can become exaggerated or minimized when they are caught between parents, and how the way adults ask questions can unintentionally influence or shape a child’s account. Jinohn also shares how CPS and therapists can work together to support a child’s safety, emotional well-being, and overall stability when a report is made. This episode offers clarity, education, and guidance for parents navigating fear, uncertainty, and high-stakes decisions involving their children.

To enroll in 'Countering Alienation' and start improving your relationship with your child and have more productive conversations with your co-parent, click here: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

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As we enter a new year, Arrianna Cervantes, LPC-Associate, and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S, remind us how essential self-care is during divorce—and how this season can also be an opportunity to build the habits that help you become the person you want to be. Jennifer begins by highlighting the physical foundations of wellness, including nourishing your body with food that supports you, incorporating movement, and protecting your sleep so your mind and emotions have space to recover. She then moves into the emotional side of self-care: allowing yourself to feel your feelings, using your time intentionally to create moments that are just for you, and taking the time to re-learn who you are outside of the relationship.

Jennifer and Arrianna also explore the importance of reconnecting with old hobbies you once enjoyed and giving yourself permission to discover new activities that bring joy, grounding, or creativity. They discuss how essential community is during this transition—finding people and places where you feel supported, understood, and encouraged as you rebuild your life. Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it is the foundation for healing and becoming whole again.

If you’re navigating a high-conflict separation, our Countering Alienation course gives you the guidance and tools to protect your relationship with your child and stay connected through the hardest moments. Register here: https://www.beyonddivorcecourses.com/offers/LoSnQoUH/checkout

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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.

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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

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