Beyond Divorce: Embracing Change

In this special episode, we say “see you later” to one of our incredible recurring hosts, Dr. Jacobie Robinson. While we’ll miss his regular presence on the show, he’s leaving us with powerful words of wisdom, motivation, and encouragement for families navigating the challenges of divorce. Tune in as Dr. Robinson answers key questions like: 💡 What should families remember as they go through divor...

This episode contains sensitive content. Leaving a relationship due to safety concerns or emotional trauma is one of the most challenging experiences a person can face. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jorge Gama, LPC-S, of Mending Clinic in Arlington, Texas explore the impact of a traumatic split on both the mind and body, including somatic symptoms, dissociation, and how trauma transfe...

Whether you’re navigating a contentious divorce, worried about your child’s emotional health, or looking to break unhealthy cycles, this episode is packed with insights and actionable steps. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jinohn Marr, LMFT take a deep dive into three harmful dynamics that can emerge in high-conflict divorces—triangulation, parentification, and alienation. These pattern...

This is the third episode of the "Ation" Series. We're calling this the "Ation" Series as we discuss common toxic family dynamics in divorce -- Triangulation, Parentification, and Alienation. Alienation is a hot topic for families of high conflict divorce. Whether you're a parent feeling alienated, struggling with feelings of guilt or confusion, or someone unintentionally alienating a co-parent, M...

This is the second episode of the "Ation" Series. We're calling this the "Ation" Series as we discuss common toxic family dynamics in divorce -- Triangulation, Parentification, and Alienation. In this second episode, we discuss the topic of Parentification. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez, LPC break down what parentification is, how it shows up in family systems and the...

Welcome to the first episode of the "Ation" Series. We're calling this the "Ation" Series as we discuss common toxic family dynamics in divorce -- Triangulation, Parentification, and Alienation. This first episode of the series is dedicated to the topic of Triangulation. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S break down what triangulation is, how it shows up in family sy...

The first Monday after January 1st is the day of the year the most divorces are filed. Whether you are contemplating divorce, in the beginning stages of a divorce, or have been going though a divorce for some time, understanding the grief cycle is important in your journey. Michael Flores, LPC-S and Dr. Jacobie Robinson, LPC-S share that divorce isn’t just a legal process; it’s an emotional journe...

In today's episode -- our last before 2025 -- Michael Flores, LPC-S and Dr. Jacobie Robinson, LPC-S discuss the top five reasons our office hears people get divorced. What is the final breaking point? They identify them in the episode today! (3:45) The 5 most common reasons we hear from clients why their marriages end. (4:45) Sex and the reasons it can lead to divorce. (9:30) Why talking about the...

Do you feel like you're always rescuing your co-parent and/or child? Are you the person who can be counted on for fixing things and saving the day? If so, this episode is for you! Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez, LPC discuss what to do if you feel like you're always rescuing someone and how that impacts you and others. In this episode, we discuss: (3:00) Listener Question - What do you...

This episode has too many amazing time stamps to summarize here! Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jinohn Temple, LMFT explore the difference between justice and resolution. They discuss the common signs they see in their clients and how they can tell whether their client is after justice or resolution with their ex-partner. They discuss whether justice can be resolution. They'll answer and discuss things...

The holidays are here! While it's typically seen as a time of happiness, it can be difficult for many families who share their children. In today's episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S discuss ways to keep the season joyful when sharing children between homes. They will discuss when sharing, and even allowing the children to be away on your time might be needed. Jen shares how...

We are excited to welcome our first guest on the Beyond Divorce: Embracing Change podcast, Jorge Gama, LPC-S! Together, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jorge Gama discuss how you know when you are ready to date or begin a new relationship after divorce. They go through some important do's and don'ts when embarking on the dating journey again. Jorge shares how to be a healthy person for your next relatio...

In this episode Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez LPC examine the steps to take to move towards healing through and after divorce. They discuss the importance of acknowledging your hurt and stress and how important vulnerability is in the process. These things are hard. But they are worth the time and effort to get to the other side. Together they point out the importance of monitoring yo...

We're digging deep today on the dangers of inflexibility. Are you inflexible or perhaps your co-parent is? Where does inflexibility come from? In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Dr. Jacobie Robinson, LPC-S share an insightful journey through inflexibility. They show us how inflexibility often stems from resentment and how it can turn into a desire to punish the other person. Dr. Robinson r...

In this insightful episode, we dive into a common challenge faced by divorced parents: how to handle it if your child is told conflicting messages from the other parent. This episode breaks down the issue of conflicting messages, something Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jinohn Marr, LMFT commonly see in cases of parental conflict. Michael and Jinohn give examples of common "true lies" such as child sup...

In this episode, we dive deep into the "Drama Triangle," a psychological model that plays out in many relationships -- and we often see it in divorce dynamics. Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S explain the three roles within the triangle: the persecutor, the rescuer, and the victim. Each role serves a specific purpose in the dysfunctional interaction between individuals, especially...

As families are going through divorce each person is dealing with their own emotions. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S dives into the 3 things kids need from their parents as the family transitions to a new normal. Children are resilient but changes do matter to them. Michael shares what he calls the 3 pillars kids want and need. He discusses the importance of consistency with children, espe...

We all know a stepparent. The statistics are staggering on how many become a stepparent each year. But stepparents face unique challenges and those challenges are not discussed enough. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez, LPC share common problems stepparents face and the stereotypes they are up against in their role. They point out the distinct factors that make either a s...

We all often play roles in our lives. When going through divorce, we can fall into the belief that one of us is the hero and the other is the villain. In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Armando Martinez, LPC will discuss the mindset of a hero and villain. Literature, film, and stories that have stood the test of time have given us all common beliefs on what characteristics a hero and villa...

Kids go through different developmental stages throughout their adolescent years. Understanding what stage your child is will enable you to better understand what they need through this life transition. In this episode Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jinohn Marr, LMFT discuss the developmental stages of kids 5-11. They will share tips on how to best tell them about the divorce to supporting them through...

This episode is PACKED with information and includes a step-by-step process on how to have a productive and collaborative conversation with your coparent. In this episode Michael Flores, LPC-S and Dr. Jacobie Robinson, Ph. D, LPC-S dive deep into the steps of conversation, especially when you are communicating with someone who may typically be difficult or uncollaborative. They discuss the importa...

Please be advised this episode discusses sexual relationships and is intended for a mature listening audience. Are you divorced or going through a divorce and finding yourself still engaging in a sexual relationship with your ex-partner? We hear about this often in our offices. But why does it happen? How is it impacting your divorce process? Should it stop? Michael Flores, LPC-S and Dr. Jacobie R...

Have you ever wondered if seeking out therapy for you or your children is important while going through a divorce? Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jinohn Marr, LMFT, discuss how therapy is helpful and best utilized for a family going through a divorce. They share the difference between court-ordered therapy and individuals voluntarily looking for counseling services. They share tips on the best way to a...

In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S and Jennifer Blake, LCSW-S, discuss when we develop the idea of fair versus unfair. They share that they often hear in sessions with children that the children deeply want their parents to agree, allowing the family to move forward. They discuss why bringing hurt feelings into a conversation can impact the conversation and how sometimes people confuse agreein...

Michael Flores, LPC-S & Armando Martinez, LPC discuss the 3 roles children play in divorce. You'll learn what each role looks like and how it plays out in your child's behavior. They'll discuss the underlying desire each child has and why they step into these roles. You will learn the importance of scheduling mandatory fun with your children. Most importantly, we hope this episode helps you unders...