Update
Blog
Written by Dr. Daniela Graf, Child and Adolescent Consultant Psychiatrist at The Valens Clinic, Dubai.
I have always been very philosophical and romantic at heart. Therefore, I am generally a proponent of working on relationships when they are in danger of breaking up rather than abandoning them prematurely (except, of course, for relationships characterized by emotional or physical abuse). In Dubai, where relationship counseling and therapy are increasingly sought after, it’s important to address these challenges with the right support.
Of course, if couples with children decide to go their separate ways, it is just as painful for the children involved as it is for the couple themselves. Seeking family therapy in Dubai can provide the necessary tools to manage these difficult transitions.
As a consultant child and adolescent psychiatrist in Dubai, I would roughly estimate that at least 40% of all parents who consult me for their child are divorced or currently going through a divorce. An even higher number are going through marital crises or massive conflicts that make harmonious coexistence in the family context almost impossible. This is where divorce counseling in Dubai becomes crucial for both parents and children.
Questions often arise as to how and when the separation should be communicated to the child. How often the child should see the father and mother. Whether spending time together could unnecessarily create new hope for reconciliation between the parents. What reasons should be given to the child that led to the separation. These are common concerns addressed in child psychology and therapy in Dubai.
There is no golden rule for this. These questions can only be answered conclusively on a very individual basis. However, by working with a professional in relationship therapy in Dubai, parents can find personalized strategies that best suit their family’s needs.
What I can certainly say though as a golden rule after 14 years of professional experience is that the more peaceful and respectful a separation is, the better it is for the child’s emotional well-being. Nothing is more damaging for the child than having to watch a war of the roses between the parents. This automatically puts the children in a very stressful conflict of loyalty. This is why family-focused therapy in Dubai is essential during these times.
Dear parents, every marital conflict or separation hurts incredibly. It involves hurt feelings, disappointment, despair, loneliness, anger, and fears for the future. A very stressful cocktail of negative feelings. But please don’t make it unnecessarily difficult for yourself by starting a divorce battle with your ex-partner. Because one thing is certain: there will only be losers: you, your children, and your mental health. The only winners are your divorce lawyers. Mental health services in Dubai can provide critical support to navigate these emotions effectively.
If children witness chronic hostility between their parents over a long period of time, they will inevitably develop difficulties themselves in forming a loving bond and feeling comfortable and secure in it. Many children tell me during our psychotherapy sessions in Dubai that they “would rather stay alone for the rest of their lives because if what their parents are practicing is ‘love,’ then they would rather never experience it.” Isn’t that heartbreaking?
So try never to lose sight of one thing: even if you have decided to go your separate ways due to irreconcilable differences, you will always have one thing in common: the love for your child. And because of this love, you will also have another common goal in the future: the genuine happiness of your child. Couples therapy in Dubai can help you both work towards this shared goal, even if you are no longer together.
Life is short, and time is so precious, let’s not waste it with fighting and spread as much peace and love to this world as possible—it’s needed more than ever! If you find yourself struggling, don’t hesitate to reach out for therapy and counseling services in Dubai to guide you through these challenging times.