Beyond Divorce: Embracing Change

Divorce and co-parenting can be challenging, especially when your child tells you they don’t like being at their other parent’s home. But how do you know what’s really going on—and what’s the right way to respond?

In this episode, we break down three common scenarios parents face when their child expresses distress about time at the other parent's house. You’ll learn how to handle:

✅ When a child exaggerates or embellishes their experiences—how to validate their feelings while discerning the truth.

✅ Minor discomforts, like different rules, routines, and expectations—when to talk to your co-parent and when to let it go.

✅ When their distress is serious and truly impacting their emotional well-being—how to recognize red flags and take appropriate action.

If you’re navigating a high-conflict co-parenting situation or simply want to better support your child through two-home transitions, this episode is packed with practical advice you can use today.

🎧 Tune in now and gain the confidence to respond in a way that keeps your child’s well-being at the center.

Have a question? DM us on our Instagram @brighterpossibilitiesfc.

The episode about The Roles Children Play in Divorce was mentioned. You can listen to that episode here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfPGliBksgk&t=2s.

Thank you for being here!

Divorce is more than just a legal process—it’s a life transition that affects millions of families each year. But what do the numbers really say about it? In this episode, we break down the latest divorce statistics and uncover the real-life impact behind the data.

As a family therapist specializing in high-conflict divorce, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S go beyond the numbers to provide insights on how these trends affect individuals. Whether you're going through a divorce, supporting a loved one, or working in the field of family dynamics, this episode will give you a deeper understanding of the realities of modern divorce.

What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

✔️ How common is divorce? The latest statistics on marriage and separation

✔️ Who files for divorce most often—and why?

✔️ The top reasons couples divorce (hint: it’s not just about infidelity)

✔️ How age and finances play a role in divorce

If you found this episode helpful, don’t forget to subscribe, leave a review, and share it with someone who might need it. Your support helps spread valuable insights to those who need them most!

Resources:

The statistics from this episode were found at https://www.wf-lawyers.com/divorce-statistics-and-facts/

Follow us on Instagram @brighterpossibilitiesfc and on Facebook at Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling

In this special episode, we say “see you later” to one of our incredible recurring hosts, Dr. Jacobie Robinson. While we’ll miss his regular presence on the show, he’s leaving us with powerful words of wisdom, motivation, and encouragement for families navigating the challenges of divorce.

Tune in as Dr. Robinson answers key questions like:

💡 What should families remember as they go through divorce?

🚫 What is a common mistake parents of divorce make?

🔗 What are boundaries, and should divorced families have them?

❤️ As our listeners navigate divorce, what would you like them to remember?

If you're in the midst of your divorce journey—or know someone who is—this episode is a must-listen. You’re not alone. There are people out there ready to support you every step of the way.

Listen now and share this episode with someone who could use a reminder to keep moving forward.

Please take a minute to leave us a review! Your comments and feedback mean the most!

Follow us on Instagram @brighterpossibilitiesfc and on Facebook at Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling.

You can watch recorded versions of our episodes on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@brighterpossibilitiesfc?si=KHkfWQOBkjHoik0N

This episode contains sensitive content.

Leaving a relationship due to safety concerns or emotional trauma is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jorge Gama, LPC-S, of Mending Clinic in Arlington, Texas explore the impact of a traumatic split on both the mind and body, including somatic symptoms, dissociation, and how trauma transfers to children. We’ll also break down how trauma keeps you in survival mode, making it harder to think clearly about next steps.

If you're in the process of leaving—or even just considering it—we’ll cover what to do, what to consider, and what to remember as you navigate this difficult transition. You are not alone, and there is a way forward.

If you need immediate support, please reach out to a local crisis service:

- **U.S.:** National Domestic Violence Hotline – Call 800-799-7233 or text "START" to 88788

- **Canada:** ShelterSafe – Visit [sheltersafe.ca](https://sheltersafe.ca)

- **UK:** National Domestic Abuse Helpline – Call 0808 2000 247

- **Australia:** 1800RESPECT – Call 1800 737 732

If you're outside these areas, please look up crisis services available in your country. **You deserve safety, support, and healing.**

In this episode Michael and Jorge mention Safe Haven. If you are local to the Tarrant County area, you can contact Safe Haven's Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-877-701-7233.

Whether you’re navigating a contentious divorce, worried about your child’s emotional health, or looking to break unhealthy cycles, this episode is packed with insights and actionable steps. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jinohn Marr, LMFT take a deep dive into three harmful dynamics that can emerge in high-conflict divorces—triangulation, parentification, and alienation. These patterns don’t just affect co-parenting; they deeply impact children’s emotional well-being, sense of self, and future relationships.

This episode has visuals! If you'd like to watch on YouTube go here: https://youtu.be/zoFt80GrsjE

Several previous episodes are referenced. For more information about

Triangulation - https://youtu.be/fIriEVFlCQs

The Roles Kids Play in Divorce - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jfPGliBksgk

Parentification - https://youtu.be/dcbXqi2IZow

Alienation - https://youtu.be/R_y0hLrFZ4Y

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We are so happy you are here!

This is the third episode of the "Ation" Series. We're calling this the "Ation" Series as we discuss common toxic family dynamics in divorce -- Triangulation, Parentification, and Alienation.

Alienation is a hot topic for families of high conflict divorce. Whether you're a parent feeling alienated, struggling with feelings of guilt or confusion, or someone unintentionally alienating a co-parent, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez, LPC have a conversation that sheds light on the challenges, myths, and healing strategies to move you forward.

Episode Breakdown:

(3:30) What is alienation or parental alienation?

(6:35) The two types of alienation: direct alienation and indirect alienation

(10:30) Therapy, family systems and alienation

(15:15) Signs of alienation

(23:45) What to consider in yourself regarding alienation

(32:45) What to do if you think you're being alienated

(38:00) Final thoughts and episode recap

Be sure to tune in to the next episodes of the "Ation" Series as we recap this important 'Ation' Series! If you missed the last episodes about Triangulation or Parentification, please go back and listen!

Leave us a question to answer on an upcoming episode here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BLGGDS6

Please subscribe and review this podcast! And leave us a review, your reviews mean so much as we continue to share this work.

Follow us on Instagram @brighterpossibilitiesfc and on Facebook at Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling.

www.brighterpossibilitiesfc.com

This is the second episode of the "Ation" Series. We're calling this the "Ation" Series as we discuss common toxic family dynamics in divorce -- Triangulation, Parentification, and Alienation.

In this second episode, we discuss the topic of Parentification. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez, LPC break down what parentification is, how it shows up in family systems and the impact it has on children and their relationship with their parents.

Episode break down:

(2:15) What is parentification? What impact does it have on children?

(6:00) When parentification becomes problematic.

(9:45) How parentification feels to children and how they interpret it.

(11:50) Is parentification intentional? Why it can sometimes be confused with alienation.

(14:30) Is parentification harmful?

(17:30) What do we do about it?

(20:45) Examples of having children help versus parentifying them.

(25:45) Episode recap.

Be sure to tune in to the next episodes of the "Ation" Series as we dig into Alienation in the next week! If you missed last week's episode about Triangulation, go back and listen to it.

Leave us a question to answer on an upcoming episode here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BLGGDS6

Please subscribe and review this podcast! Your reviews mean so much as we continue to share this work.

You can follow us on Instagram @brighterpossibilitiesfc and on Facebook at Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling.

www.brighterpossibilitiesfc.com

Welcome to the first episode of the "Ation" Series. We're calling this the "Ation" Series as we discuss common toxic family dynamics in divorce -- Triangulation, Parentification, and Alienation.

This first episode of the series is dedicated to the topic of Triangulation. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S break down what triangulation is, how it shows up in family systems and the impact it has on children.

Whether you’re experiencing it firsthand or want to avoid it in your relationships, this episode provides tools to foster healthier connections and boundaries.

Episode break down:

(2:00) Triangulation and what it is.

(3:00) How triangulation is a manipulation and how it puts kids in the middle.

(6:45) The threat triangulation implies.

(9:50) The impact of triangulation has on children of divorce.

(15:45) How to de-triangulate your kids.

(20:00) How kids can also triangulate their system when they know their parents don't talk.

(22:30) How parents will use triangulation to create alignment and questions to ask.

(28:00) How to handle triangulation when your coparent is making you out to be the bad guy.

(30:00) What parents should do when they recognize triangulation is occurring.

Be sure to tune in to the next episodes of the "Ation" Series as we dig into Parentificaiton and Alienation in the next three weeks!

Please subscribe and review this podcast! Your reviews mean so much as we continue to share this work.

You can follow us on Instagram @brighterpossibilitiesfc and on Facebook at Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling.

www.brighterpossibilitiesfc.com

The first Monday after January 1st is the day of the year the most divorces are filed. Whether you are contemplating divorce, in the beginning stages of a divorce, or have been going though a divorce for some time, understanding the grief cycle is important in your journey. Michael Flores, LPC-S and Dr. Jacobie Robinson, LPC-S share that divorce isn’t just a legal process; it’s an emotional journey that often mirrors the stages of grief. In this episode, we explore the grief cycle through divorce, from denial and anger to bargaining, sadness, and eventually acceptance. We’ll discuss how these stages can unfold differently for each partner, creating emotional misalignment that adds to the complexity of separation. Whether you’re struggling to move forward or finding it challenging to navigate your ex-partner’s emotional state, this episode offers insights and strategies to help you find clarity and healing during this difficult time.

If you'd like to leave a question for us to answer on an upcoming episode, leave that here: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/BLGGDS6

You can find us at www.brighterpossibilitiesfc.com. We're on Instagram @brighterpossibilitiesfc and Facebook at Brighter Possibilities Family Counseling.

Thank you for being here!

In today's episode -- our last before 2025 -- Michael Flores, LPC-S and Dr. Jacobie Robinson, LPC-S discuss the top five reasons our office hears people get divorced. What is the final breaking point? They identify them in the episode today!

(3:45) The 5 most common reasons we hear from clients why their marriages end.

(4:45) Sex and the reasons it can lead to divorce.

(9:30) Why talking about the issue and reflecting will help in the future.

(13:05) Money and how it can be mismanaged, a tool for manipulation, and the focus of a relationship.

(19:35) Family and how outside influences can impact relationships.

(26:20) Kinds and how their relationships with their parents can be used and can play out after divorce.

(30:00) Substance abuse and client concerns.

(34:45) Mental health and the common complaints we hear about spouses.

(37:30) Why it's important to notice what we focus on.

(40:15) Recap of topics

(41:30) Listener Question Answered: "How do you know it is when the right time to introduce a significant other into your kids life after divorce?"

Thank you for being here! Please be sure to like and subscribe to this podcast so you're up to date when we return in January 2025!

Happy Holidays!