Empty Nesters: Rediscovering and Reconnecting
Throughout all the years of raising children, it's hard to imagine the day where your kids move out and move into their own separate lives. Individually, this time can bring a mix of emotions - sadness, relief, excitement, boredom, role confusion, worry and hope. However, couples often do not anticipate the anxiety and issues being empty nesters can bring to the romantic partner relationship. Years of being co-parents can often swallow up the time and space the romantic relationship needed to survive and to thrive. For many couples, the time of closeness, intimacy and enjoyment just as a couple seems a distant memory. Many couples question if they can get back to that place. Empty nesting can bring a mix of longing for and fear of not being able to once again having enjoyment and intimacy together.
I specialize in helping couples navigate this new chapter with guidance, compassion, and support. Whether you're feeling disconnected, unsure about your new roles, or looking to reignite the spark in your relationship, I'm here to help you build a stronger, more fulfilling partnership in your “empty nest” years.
Why Empty Nester Counseling?
The empty nest phase often marks a significant shift in your relationship, and it’s normal to experience a variety of emotions and challenges:
Loss of routine and family structure: Your home, once filled with the sounds of children, may now feel quieter and more still.
Identity shifts: You may be struggling with the shift from being parents to being partners again.
Increased focus on the relationship: With the kids out of the house, you may realize that your relationship needs more attention or that you no longer know how to relate to each other in this new phase.
Empty nest syndrome: Feelings of sadness, loneliness, or even loss of purpose as your children leave home.
Reigniting intimacy: Rediscovering romantic or emotional intimacy after years of focusing on parenting.
Empty nesters often face these issues with mixed emotions. Some couples thrive in this new chapter, but others may find it difficult to reconnect or rebuild their relationship after so many years of focusing on children. Couples counseling offers a space to explore these feelings, process the changes, and create a positive future together.
How I Can Help:
With the Gottman Method, EFT and psychoeducation on attachment, phases of life and relationships, I hope to help you:
Improve Communication: Learn how to talk about your feelings, desires, and concerns in a way that strengthens your bond.
Reignite Romance: Rediscover the romantic connection that may have faded during the busy years of raising children.
Navigate the Empty Nest Transition: Process feelings of loss or sadness while finding new ways to enjoy your time together as a couple.
Strengthen Your Relationship: Work together to deepen your connection and understanding, ensuring your relationship remains strong and fulfilling as you enter this next phase.
Create a Shared Vision: Redefine your goals, dreams, and priorities as a couple and create a vision for your life moving forward.
The empty nest phase can be scary, but I hope to offer you a chance to rediscover your relationship and build a future that’s unique, exciting and lasting, and reminds you of why you chose each other to begin with.