Therapeutic Separation: A Workbook for Couples Facing Addiction

A therapeutic separation is an intentional processtherapeutically crafted to help bring about safety, stability, andindividual and relational insight. When done purposefully, it can offerguidance and direction to both the individual and the couple. This deliberateand structured period should be temporary. As the couple is in an intentionalperiod of separation, each partner works on goals to learn about themselves andhow they show up in the relationship. They then work with theirsupport system, such as a therapist and/or sponsor, to implement changes toaddress these specific concerns. 

The purposeof a therapeutic separation is to create space for reflection and growth,thus leading to the development of a healthier relationship whether the couple decidesto reintegrate or discontinue. Reintegration may not always be the outcomethough, as doing the work individually and as a couple can manifest resultsleading to more needed space or termination of the relationship.

Taking a therapeutic separation in your relationship shouldn’t feel like you are plunging into the unknown. With proper assistance and support, a therapeutic separation may provide safety, clarity, and healing. That said, choosing this delicate path requires care and guidance. This workbook will walk you through the process of a healthy and productive therapeutic separation from beginning to end. The instruction and exercises in this workbook will help you create a robust therapeutic separation and evaluate what you need moving forward.

In this workbook you will:

• Evaluate if a separation is right for you
• Create a therapeutic separation plan based on your relationship, needs, and boundaries
• Learn how to disclose the separation to your children, family, and friends
• Understand how your history is connected to your present
• Complete individual and relationship goals based on your plan
• Assess what you need as you move forward after a therapeutic separation

Lindsey Stanley is an addiction and trauma counselor in Dallas, Texas. She owns and practices in her group practice, Pecan Counseling. She specializes in working with alcohol use disorders, substance use disorders, sexual addiction, and financial disorders. She has worked in many levels of care including, IOP (Intensive Outpatient Programming), and PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programming) settings treating addictive behaviors. She specializes in REBT (Rational Emotive Behavioral Therapy), motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, solutionfocused therapy, and various other techniques to help her clients. She values solution and relief oriented care, with appropriate directness and well timed humor. Lindsey is a graduate of Dallas Theological Seminary, where she received her Masters in Counseling. Lindsey is certified in various forms of therapy including: Accelerated Resolution Therapy, EMDR, Certified Sex Addiction Therapist, Certified Multiple Addiction Therapist, Certified Partner Trauma Therapist, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and is trained in the NeuroAffective Relational Model (NARM) for treating complex trauma and addictions.

Stevie Hall is a therapist and owner of Arise Counseling in Dallas, TX and holds a PhD in the field of psychology. With an extensive background in the study of empathy, she has developed a deep understanding of human behavior, motivation, and connection. In her therapeutic work, Stevie is committed to helping individuals and couples navigate the complexities of relationships and overcome the impact of complex trauma, sex and love addiction, infidelity, codependency, and intimacy difficulties. In addition to providing therapy, Stevie enjoys training professionals, sharing her expertise with groups, fellow practitioners, and treatment facilities. Stevie has pursued the following training and certifications: Certified Sex Addiction Therapist (CSAT), EMDR, Emotion Focused Couples Therapy (EFT), Attachment Injury Resolution Model (AIRM), Complex Trauma Certification Training, and Texas Trained Mediator.