Conscious Uncoupling

The term “conscious uncoupling” entered our collective awareness in 2014. Actor Gwyneth Paltrow used the term to describe her divorce from rock star Chris Martin. The term has been used, both sincerely and with mocking, ever since. Many people wanted to know, “What is Conscious Uncoupling?”

The phrase was not invented by Paltrow, nor is Conscious Uncoupling something only Hollywood stars and artists are able to experience. Don’t let its ties to the Goop founder stop you from examining this useful approach to divorce.

Ending A Marriage

Most of us enter into a marriage full of hope and good intentions.

The state of “falling in love” helps us look at each other in the best light. We want to believe that those wonderful feelings will always exist.

Then, somewhere along the way, the hard work of life begins to wear us down. Our partner no longer seems to be the person we thought we’d married. In our hurt and frustration, we hold grudges, and both parties are left feeling traumatized. Ultimately the result is divorce.

The decision to separate from your partner is not an easy one. The uncoupling of your relationship comes with all sorts of uncomfortable feelings. In addition to the emotions, you must deal with the logistics of separation. This can include the process of dividing your assets and liabilities, finding a new home, and negotiating a parenting plan if you share children.

Conscious Uncoupling

So, how does one avoid unnecessary drama and manage a break up better? Perhaps by applying some of the principles of Conscious Uncoupling. The phrase used by Paltrow is actually an established separation/divorce method. It encourages couples to split up as mindfully and respectfully as possible.

Marriage and family therapist Katherine Woodward Thomas is credited for this new concept. Thomas used the principles after she separated from her husband. She teaches workshops and has written a book to help couples “uncouple” more amicably.

According to her, you can heal from the separation by:

• Becoming mindful of habits that lead to repetitive patterns of behaviour;
• Taking responsibility for your part of the relationship dynamics;
• Using strong emotions as a source of growth and change instead of hate and blame;
• Consciously dealing with the root cause of past emotional pain.

In essence, Conscious Uncoupling is a method focused on a happy and peaceful future. It encourages each party to take responsibility for what went wrong, look for the good in each other, find ways to protect their mutual assets, and treat each other with kindness and respect. Instead of finding reasons to blame the other person, you look for opportunities to learn and grow. In doing so, our future relationships start on a healthier foundation.

Self-reflection plays a crucial role in gaining enough awareness to avoid creating the same issues in the next relationship.

Difference between Conscious Uncoupling and Standard Divorce 

Divorce is usually seen in a negative light due to its adversarial nature. In an environment of anger and distrust, divorcing couples fight each other for their share. What is often lost is a perspective of the greater good, especially for the sake of the children. However, when they engage in conscious uncoupling, it can be a mutual process. Couples can can break up with honour and integrity, coming out stronger and wiser.

Separation doesn’t have to be a traumatic experience. If you try to remain conscious during uncoupling, you can prevent your family from being further eroded, and learn to live happily even after separation. You can make a commitment to sidestep blame and look toward a healed future. Self-compassion, growth, and mindfulness may help you cope with the challenges of separation.

While your goodwill may not extend to attending your ex’s honeymoon as Cold Play’s Chris Martin reportedly did, your separation process may proceed more productively if you bring kindness to the table.

At Trusted Divorce Services we call this type of divorce a Constructive Divorce.

Contact me to find out how to consciously uncouple amicably and with dignity. My mission is to ensure your divorce process is simple, respectful, timely and cost-effective.

“For learning to live happily even after, finding a way to forgive the unforgivable, and to move forward in life graciously with hope in our hearts… may very well be the essence of what it is to truly love each other.” 

—Katherine Woodward Thomas, from Conscious Uncoupling: 5 Steps to Living Happily Even After