In this insightful episode of Divorce Happens, we sit down with Joanna Hulton, a licensed psychoanalyst and mental health counselor, to unravel the complexities of divorce through the lens of developmental needs and grief stages. Joanna shares her expertise on how understanding both parent and child developmental stages can significantly impact the divorce experience. With years of experience as a NY State provider of Continuing Education for Social Workers and Mental Health Counselors, Joanna sheds light on the emotional dynamics that often get overlooked during this life transition.

We dive deep into the nuances of how children at different ages process divorce and how grief stages—denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance—manifest uniquely in both parents and children. Joanna explains how unaddressed developmental needs can lead to emotional barriers and long-term challenges, while offering strategies for navigating these tough conversations with empathy and understanding. Her perspective highlights the importance of not just surviving divorce, but healing and growing through it.

Whether you’re currently going through a divorce, co-parenting, or supporting a loved one, this episode is filled with powerful insights and practical advice for embracing the emotional landscape of divorce with clarity and compassion. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how developmental needs and grief stages intersect, and how you can support yourself and your children through the process.

Learn more about Joanna Hulton on her profile: https://www.freshstartsregistry.com/resourceguide/joanna-hulton-phd

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