Psychology Orlando

The Programs We Offer at Psychological Affiliates

Collaborative Divorce Program

This program offers an innovative way to resolve disputes amicably without going to court by using a mental health counselor.  If minor children are involved, parents tend to gravitate towards this program due to the focus it has on doing what is best for the kids.  Additionally, due to Collaborative Divorce being based on the pace of the clients and not the judicial calendar, it results in a speeder finalization, which translates into financial savings as well.

Orlando Supervised Visitation/Monitored Exchange Program

The Partners with Families program is available 7 days a week, including evenings, and allows children to maintain safe contact with both parents post divorce.  The purpose of this program is to create a safe environment for children by having a third person monitor those involved, as well as supervise the transfer of children from one parent to the other.  It creates less conflict and stress for the parents due to them not having to communicate with their former spouse.

Parenting Coordination Program

This program is led by licensed psychologists who are highly trained in high conflict situations, mediation and child development.  It focuses on the parents communication among each other and educates them on the importance of shielding their children from parental conflict and creating any unnecessary stress for them.  Through your attorney, you may request a parenting coordinator if you have concerns about your co-parent.

Divorce Education Program

This program presents information about divorce procedures that promote effective coping and communication by parents and their children. A goal of the program is to lower the amount of contested custodies and visitation conflicts.

 The Kids Place Program

This program is for children between the ages of 8 and 12 who are dealing with their parent's divorce. Once a week (six week program), children are brought together to participate in activities with other children alike to help them cope and comfortably communicate about the topic.

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Why We Cheat

In a recent interview with Slate Magazine, Esther Perel, author and therapist, brings fresh perspectives to the age-old issue of infidelity. Surveys consistently show that most marriages/long-term relationships are touched by infidelity at some point. Ms. Perel cites research showing that very often, cheaters are basically happy with their marriages or relationships. This seems to be especially true for men. Most cheaters say they really do not want to leave their relationships, yet they are willing to take risks and seriously hurt their partners and families.

Esther Perel makes some excellent points in her interview. Key among them is her observation that what cheaters really are seeking is a different self. Through an affair, a different aspect of one’s personality is brought to life, often in an overwhelmingly intense manner. This intense activation of a perhaps long suppressed or previously unrecognized persona is the real unconscious goal rather than seeking to have a different lover.

Ms. Perel also draws a distinction between cheating and non-monogamy. She suggests that “examining monogamy is our next frontier.” Instead of the old roles of cheater and the cheated-upon, new relationship models are needed which can demonstrate how to respectfully handle the shades of grey around the many sexual/intimacy/friendship/digital issues that affect modern relationships.

Many couples still agree that sexual monogamy is their ideal. For these couples, a therapist can help impart and sharpen skills such as conflict resolution, caring behaviors, prioritization, and sexual enrichment. A therapist also can offer craving management to help relationships withstand challenges. For couples dealing with the aftermath of infidelity, a specific problem may need to be addressed, such as sexual avoidance or sexual addiction.

Other couples may mutually agree to explore more autonomy, self-expression, or personal fulfillment rather than cheating or lying to one another. Even an unconventional arrangement, such as swinging, requires relationship boundaries and expectations for both partners.

A qualified sex therapist can work within a couple’s value system to help improve their shared sexual satisfaction. Having the courage to address such delicate topics is a start. A therapist can help couples build upon that beginning by having both partners clarify their priorities and cultivate acceptance of one another.

Provided by Alan Grieco, Ph.D.

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What to Expect in Relationship Therapy

These days, before many couples decide to call it quits, they undergo couple’s therapy or marriage counseling. In general, no one is excited about the prospect of sitting on a psychologist’s couch and detailing all the problems within a marriage, however, plenty of couples have found relief from their relationship woes by seeking the help of a professional. It is always useful, before jumping into any kind of therapy, to have some idea of what is going to happen.

Most psychologists will ask questions, listening to responses of both spouses, in order to get at the heart of the couple’s problems. For example, a couple may come in saying that they no longer feel the other loves them. Through some pointed questions, a psychologist may determine that they are actually having a problem with communication, not with love.

Even for couples that have already decided to get a divorce, relationship therapy may be advantageous. A therapist will be able to help them navigate their new dynamic, so that they can at least be on friendly terms, especially in cases where the couple shares a child.

In either case, the psychologist will ask questions about the relationship and will suggest topics for discussion and activities that can better the couple’s relationship, whether that couple is still married or is newly divorced.

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Assisting with a Child's Mental State

Studies show that even in the current global climate, where divorce is more common and accepted than ever, many children have trouble adjusting to life with parents who live together, to parents who live apart. They now have to split their time between their parents (if they are lucky), or may now live with and see only one parent, instead of two. This is a difficult adjustment for any child, and parents may see the child beginning to act out or withdraw.

A psychologist can help with a troubled child from the very first hints of a divorce. Children need stability in order to grow up into well-adjusted people, and a divorce can seriously shake their foundations. A psychologist can come into the situation fresh, without bias towards which parents has had what influence on the child, and assess the child’s state of mind. After this assessment, the psychologist can recommend activities, talking points, and reassurance that can be made to the child in order to let him know first, that the divorce was not his fault, and second, that he is as loved and valued as he was before the divorce.

In the mess of a divorce, it can be difficult to find time to give your struggling child the attention he needs and deserves. A psychologist can equip both you and your child with the tools needed to deal with this unsettling life event.

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Collaborative Law

In collaborative law, a couple wishing to divorce works with their lawyers, and often, their psychologists, in order to settle the matter out of court. This kind of law is much cleaner than taking a divorce to trial, where often both the spouses and their lawyers will turn towards malicious in-fighting and dirty tactics in order to get the judge to rule in their favor. In this method of divorce, the lawyers and the spouses can work together to find a settlement that is amenable not just for each other, but also for the children and for the property. Though the negotiations can go on for days or even months, studies show that divorces out of court tend to be more amicable and any children from the marriage are better adjusted.

Psychologist are not only brought in in order to evaluate a child who might be having a difficult time with his parents’ divorce, he is also brought in to assess the mental states of the parents, and to determine if it is safe for the child to be placed with either parent. They may also be consulted in order to determine the relative worth of items which are being divided. There is rarely only monetary value involved in divorce disputes, and often a psychologist can clear the air and help the couple reach a more peaceful agreement, one based on facts, rather than on emotions.

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