Breaking Up

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Support for partners ending a committed relationship

100 Reproducible Activity Handouts and Educational Materials for Facilitators of Groups & Individuals

Loss of a relationship can mean the end of dreams, routines, stability, emotional and financial security, companionship, and family as they existed before the breakup. The resulting trauma impacts the partners, of course. Children, extended family, friends, and colleagues suffer from and grieve the loss to varying degrees.

The legal break up of couples through divorce adds significantly to the complexity of working through the emotional and practical issues inherent in the process. Divorce involves legal considerations, binding agreements, and an economic reality that can alter the expectations and security of all family members.

Ending a committed relationship is an extended process with different phases. Educating your clients about this progression is integral to working through the confusing, challenging, and complex experiences of breaking up.

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do provides activities associated with many of the phases and challenges of ending a committed relationship, including:

• Significant relationship distress over time

• Increased distance from each other

• Confrontation(s) with partner and family

• Permanent or temporary separation

• Temporary reconciliation

• Decision to end the relationship permanently

• Selection of legal representation in the case of a divorce

• Negotiations for the financial breakup

• Creation of a co-parenting plan

• Day by day co-parenting

• Creating a new, single life

Breaking Up Is Hard To Do aims to facilitate work by mental health professionals, the clergy, and any other professionals who support those considering or actively ending a committed relationship. The book may also be helpful in training facilitators who are new to the field.

Participants can learn they are not alone and develop critical coping strategies using activities from Breaking Up Is Hard To Do. They can find emotional support and practical suggestions, regardless of where they are in this process.

The workbook’s reproducible activity pages can help stimulate conversation, educate, and create awareness of what is happening in the present and what might be happening in the future. The activities provide concrete ways for participants to explore each aspect of ending a committed relationship and the associated legal and financial considerations.