High Conflict Divorce

Welcome to The Hive, a counseling practice in the Woodlands, Texas, where we specialize in helping families dealing with high-conflict divorces. We understand that, even in the best circumstances, divorce is a difficult and stressful time for parents and children alike.  When the process is marked by a high level of conflict, the stress and anxiety are only magnified.  Our goal at The Hive is to provide safe and supportive counseling for adolescents to process their emotions around the divorce.  We also offer co-parenting counseling and parent coordination to reduce conflict between the adults.

What is a high-conflict divorce?

The Texas Family Code defines a “High-conflict case” as a suit affecting the parent-child relationship (a divorce/custody case) in which the parties have demonstrated an unusual degree of:

               (A)  repetitiously resorting to the adjudicatory process;

               (B)  anger and distrust; and

               (C)  difficulty in communicating about and cooperating in the care of their children.

This conflict can manifest in a variety of ways, including intense arguments, threats, stonewalling, and even physical or emotional abuse.  The conflict can center around hurt and anger over the divorce, financial matters, extra-curricular activities, discipline, routines, or school.

Why do children need counseling in high-conflict divorces?

Children of all ages are significantly affected by high-conflict divorces. Specifically, the evidence shows that children caught in the middle of high-conflict divorces often experience:

1. Emotional distress: Children may experience a range of emotions, including anger, sadness, anxiety, and confusion because of the conflict between their parents. They may also feel caught in the middle and unsure of how to respond to the conflict, often blaming themselves for their parents’ conflict.
2. Behavioral problems: Children may exhibit behavioral problems such as aggression, defiance, and withdrawal as a way of coping with the stress and conflict of their parents’ divorce.
3. Academic difficulties: Children may struggle with schoolwork and experience lower academic performance because of the emotional distress caused by the divorce.
4. Health problems: Children may experience physical health problems such as headaches, stomachaches, and other stress-related illnesses.
5. Relationship difficulties: Children may have difficulties forming and maintaining healthy relationships with others, including peers, family members, and future romantic partners.

It’s important for parents to be aware of these potential negative effects and take steps to minimize them, such as seeking the help of a parent coordinator or other mental health professional.

How can we help?

At our practice, we provide a variety of counseling services tailored to meet the unique needs of children and families experiencing high-conflict divorces. We use evidence-based approaches to help children build resilience, manage stress and anxiety, and develop healthy coping strategies. We also work with parents to help them understand the impact of their behavior on their children and to provide guidance on how to communicate effectively with their co-parent.

If you are going through a high-conflict divorce and believe your child may benefit from counseling, please don’t hesitate to reach out. We are here to support you and your family during this difficult time. Contact us to schedule a consultation and take the first step toward healing and recovery.