Beyond Divorce: Embracing Change

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...

We're so glad you're here! In this episode we will introduce ourselves and share our hopes for the episodes of this podcast. We are licensed counselors who help our clients with various challenges. We specialize in family dynamics and families in divorce. Each counselor in the practice has a unique expertise in the area of divorce and the clients they serve. We hope you find something here that he...