In the previous episode of The Divorce Podcast, Kate spoke to Cate Campbell about navigating intimacy when living together post-separation. In this episode, Kate wanted to delve deeper into another common challenge when it comes to sex and relationships – infidelity. What is it, why does it happen, and what can we do afterwards? 

About the episode:

Kate begins by explaining what ‘infidelity’ is and why there is no clear definition for it. She also shares some fascinating statistics on how often adultery causes marriages to end and gives us three main reasons as to why that happens. She finishes off with some advice for forgiveness, moving on and getting closure if the infidelity has occurred. 

Please be aware that this episode contains sexual references, so you might want to listen out of earshot of any children.

More resources:

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected], through direct messages on Instagram or by starting a new forum thread on amicable’s advice forum. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. 

#EmotionalJourney

In this episode, I am joined by an award-winning author, Cate Campbell, to discuss intimacy, whether trial separations are a good idea, and boundaries while living together post-separation. 

About the episode:

Kate and Cate begin by discussing what intimacy might look like for ex-partners, especially for those who have separated but are still living together. We also explore how boundaries might be set in those situations. We then move on to discussing break-up sex, its causes and consequences, and how to have a mature conversation about it afterwards. We also touch upon ‘trial separations’ and why they might be unhealthy for you and your ex-partner. We finish by exploring boundaries with your family and friends after a split, and how little daily rituals can help you get through a tough time. 

Please be aware that this episode contains sexual references so you might want to listen out of earshot of any children.

About our guests:

Cate Campbell is a psychotherapist, supervisor and trainer specialising in relationships and trauma, working with individuals, couples and families. She is accredited by the British Association for Counselling & Psychotherapy (BACP), College of Sexual & Relationship Therapists (COSRT) and is an EMDR Europe. consultant. She is the author of The Relate Guide to Sex & Intimacy, Love & Sex in a New Relationship, Contemporary Sex Therapy and Sex Therapy: The Basics.

More resources:

You can learn more about Cate on her website and you can get in touch with her via email - [email protected] 

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected]. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today

#LifeAfterDivorce

In this episode, Kate is joined by Dr Sarah Foley, a Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. They explore her current research on children’s relationships with their parents in different post-separation child arrangements. Sarah talks about why this research is important and how you can get involved.

About our guests:

Dr Sarah Foley is a Lecturer in Developmental Psychology at the University of Edinburgh. Her research explores parent-child relationships and the psychological wellbeing of family members across diverse family forms (e.g., elective co-parents, those created through assisted reproductive technologies, LGBTQIA+ parent-headed families) and transitions (e.g., becoming a parent, separation or divorce). Her current research is exploring children’s relationships with their parents, adjustment and experiences of different post-separation child arrangements in England and Scotland. This is funded by an Economic and Social Research Council (ESRC) New Investigators Grant. She completed her PhD at the Centre for Family Research, University of Cambridge.

More resources:

You can register to take part in Sarah’s study here, and you can learn a bit more about this study on the University of Edinburgh’s website. 

For more support with co-parenting, amicable offer Separating With Children Service as well as an app for all your childcare arrangements and communications. 

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected], through direct messages on Instagram or by starting a new forum thread on amicable’s advice forum. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

#Coparenting

In this episode, Kate is joined by Andrew Keefe, a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist and Pilates Teacher, to discuss how Pilates can support you during divorce and aid your recovery afterward. Andrew shares the science of trauma, how the nervous system functions under stress and why Pilates is an effective tool to help with the emotional aftermath of a relationship breakdown. 

About the episode:

Kate and Andrew begin by exploring what trauma means in the context of divorce and the physical and mental symptoms it can trigger. Andrew explains the biological responses that often occur during and after a traumatic event like separation and how the controlled movements and breathing techniques at the core of Pilates can help soothe these reactions. He also shares other practical strategies for coping with divorce and separation, including simple breathing exercises, the importance of releasing tension in the body and how to build a supportive network.

About our guest:

Andrew Keefe is a Psychodynamic Psychotherapist, EMDR Therapist, Pilates Teacher and Personal Trainer (Level 4, Lower Back Pain Specialist.) He works with mind and body to help people recover from trauma and trauma / stress-related Chronic Lower Back Pain. Andrew has been a therapist for twenty-five years, including sixteen years of clinical work with traumatised refugees and survivors of torture. He now works in private practice in Holborn and East London, specialising in working with people living with the traumatic effects of childhood sexual abuse, domestic violence, abusive relationships, birth trauma, violence and chronic lower back pain. He also uses fitness sessions and Pilates to help people recover their mental wellbeing.

More resources:

You can learn more about Andrew and his work on his website

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected]. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.

#LifeAfterDivorce

As part of Mental Health Awareness week, today Kate answers a listener's question all about ‘divorce anxiety’. Divorce and separation are never easy, whether amicable or not. As a relationship counsellor and a divorcee herself, Kate shares some tips to help you cope when you feel overwhelmed by worry during this time.    

About the episode:

Kate begins by explaining what ‘divorce anxiety’ is and how fear of the unknown is often at the root of common worries and concerns, especially at the beginning of the divorce process. She then shares four top tips to help you protect your mental health during this tricky time – and start the divorce process on the right foot.

More resources:

Struggling emotionally? Explore our partners at Betterhelp for therapy or counselling support. You can also reach out to your GP or mental health charities like Mind or Samaritans.  

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected], through direct messages on Instagram or by starting a new forum thread on amicable’s advice forum. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. 

#EmotionalJourney

In this episode, host Kate is joined by Dr Samantha Gaines, Head of the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Science and Policy department, and Carol Harte, Divorce Specialist at amicable, to debunk some common myths about separating with pets.

About the episode:

Kate, Carol and Samantha break down common myths about pet ownership during separation or divorce. They explain the legal realities, the emotional impact on pets – whether it’s a dog, cat or even a hamster – and share practical tips to help pets adjust to new routines. You'll also learn how to spot signs your pet might be struggling, and what to do if neither you nor your ex can care for them after your divorce or separation.

About our guests:

Dr Samantha Gaines is Head of the RSPCA’s Companion Animals Science and Policy department. She leads a specialist team who use evidence to advocate for good lives for companion, working and sporting animals through corporate and government policy change and human behaviour change. She is the lead on a variety of issues including dog control, racing greyhounds and dogs kept for working purposes. 

Prior to working at the RSPCA, Sam worked as a research scientist for the Defence Science and Technology Laboratory. She managed various projects studying the behaviour, performance and welfare of working dogs. She has an MSc in applied animal behaviour and welfare as well as a PhD from Bristol University, where she studied the effects of housing and husbandry on the welfare of kennelled dogs.

Carol Harte is a Divorce Specialist at amicable and holds decades of experience in global change management, project negotiation and training. Having embarked on a career change to become an accredited family mediator, Carol aims to support separating parents and pet parents in their transition to being successful co-parents.

More resources:

You can find more advice on how to improve your pet’s welfare on the RSPCA website. 

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected]. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. 

#Pets

This week, Kate is going behind the headlines of Manchester City manager Pep Guardiola and his ex-partner Cristina Serra’s divorce. Reports claim they’re using the ‘one lawyer, one couple’ approach to end their marriage while staying on good terms.

About the episode:

Kate breaks down the top three benefits of a collaborative divorce, using Pep Guardiola’s separation as an example. She explains who this approach works best for, and explores whether amicable divorces really are as rare as the media makes out  – or if they’re becoming the norm.

More resources:

We'd love to know how we can help you further. Share your questions on divorce, separation and co-parenting with us at [email protected]. They might just be the topic of a future episode!

You can also get in touch with amicable for more information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today. 

In this episode, Kate is joined by author and speaker Emma Campbell, better known to her Instagram followers as Limitless Em, to discuss her separation stories, cancer diagnosis and passion for running.

About the episode:

Emma starts by telling Kate how her parents' marriage and her relationship with her dad shaped her own romantic life. They go on to discuss her relationship with the father of her four children (including triplets!) and her difficult fertility journey. Emma shares her very personal take on how she found separation more difficult than her cancer diagnosis around the same time.

Kate and Emma then talk about Emma’s subsequent marriage and the trials and tribulations of a blended family, what made it special and how it ultimately ended in divorce. Emma tells Kate why taking the time to feel the pain and sadness is vital after a separation. 

Ever the optimist, she finishes by discussing her passion for running and why she believes that physical activity can help you get through anything, from cancer to a breakup. 

About our guest:

Emma Campbell is an author, speaker and podcast host known to her 66K followers on Instagram as Limitless Em, where she shares aspects of the incredible journey she’s been on as a cancer survivor, single mum of teenage triplets and so much more. She is known for her honesty, vulnerability and open-hearted approach to life and passionately believes that we all have limitless potential despite the challenges we may face. 

Emma offers hope to thousands of women in the breast cancer community. She has learnt to celebrate a body that has been through so much, whilst accepting that she will remain on cancer treatment for life.

Emma has completed two Virgin London Marathons, the Great South Run, the Vitality 10K, takes part in CRUK’s Race for Life every year and has a media place in the 2025 TCS London Marathon where she’ll be running as part of Team Bowelbabe, raising vital funds for cancer research. 

More resources:

Find more about Emma Campbell on Instagram and on her website.

Donate to Emma’s London Marathon fundraiser for Bowelbabe Fund here.

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and children aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert through the amicable website.

#EmotionalJourney

In this episode, Kate is joined by the founder of Restored Lives Erik Castenskiold to discuss how to thrive as a child of separated parents, even as an adult.

About the episode:

Erik starts off by sharing his own experience of divorce and how it ultimately led him to found Restored Lives, a UK-based charity that provides resources and support for individuals and families affected by relationship breakdown. He then goes on to talk about Your Direction, a course that offers tools and skills for 12-30-year-old children of divorce to help them find future happiness and success. Kate and Erik explore why the course was created and what the sessions cover. They also address common concerns that parents may have about the initiative. Finally, they discuss the types of conversations that 12-17-year-old and 18-30-year-old children of divorce might be having during the sessions and how both age groups can benefit from this kind of support.

About our guest:

Erik Castenskiold is the founder of the charity Restored Lives which helps adults and children navigate the impact of divorce and separation. In the last 23 years, over 3,000 adults have been supported across 10 different countries with multiple resources, including an eight-week course, a book, and countless videos. Restored Lives has partnered with Spurgeons, a children’s charity, to launch Your Direction, a series of workshops for children of separated parents aged 12-17 and 18-30 years old. Your Direction helps to break the silence surrounding divorce and separation and helps children to build resilience, improve their wellbeing and enhance their relationships with their parents, as well as their friends and future partners. 

More resources:

You can learn more about Restored Lives and Your Direction on their website. You can also follow Your Direction on Instagram for helpful tips and testimonials.

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.

#Coparenting

In this episode, Kate is joined by the founder of Divorce Recovery Seminars, author, former barrister, and family court judge Christopher Compston to discuss his personal experience of divorce through his unique professional legal lens.

About the episode:

Kate and Christopher start by discussing Christopher’s parents’ divorce and how this formed his view of marriage. He shares an invaluable insider perspective on the legal process having worked as a barrister and a judge. Christopher then goes on to explore his own experience of adultery and divorce. Kate and Christopher finish off by sharing some tips on how to recover, move on and lead a happy life after divorce, as well as some hard-hitting truths about how painful the experience can truly be.

About our guest:

Christopher Compston is a former barrister and was a Circuit Judge for nearly thirty years, dealing with everything from criminal to family matters. He retired in 2013. Twice married, he has had six children. For many years he and his current wife, Caroline, attended Holy Trinity Church in Brompton where he started and ran Divorce Recovery seminars for ten years. Christopher has written two books on the subject: ‘Recovering from Divorce’ (1993) and ‘Breaking Up Without Cracking Up’ (2011).

More resources:

You can learn more about Restored Lives on their website, and you can purchase Christopher’s book ‘Breaking Up Without Cracking Up’ on Amazon.

Get in touch with amicable for information on the legal, financial and parenting aspects of separation. Book a free 15-minute consultation with an amicable expert today.

#LifeAfterDivorce