Esther Perel, a renowned psychotherapist and relationship expert, views divorce and separation as complex but sometimes necessary transitions rather than outright failures. She believes that relationships have life cycles, and while some can be repaired, others may naturally come to an end. Perel emphasizes that deciding to separate should come from deep self-reflection rather than impulse, resentment, or pressure.

She suggests considering the following when evaluating whether it’s time to leave:

1. Have you exhausted all efforts? Have you tried therapy, open communication, and personal growth to repair the relationship?

2. Are you leaving for the right reasons? Are you seeking personal fulfillment, emotional well-being, or safety rather than escaping temporary discomfort?

3. Is the relationship still a source of growth? If the connection feels stagnant, toxic, or irreversibly broken, it may be time to move on.

4. Can you separate with integrity? Perel encourages separating in a way that respects the history of the relationship and minimizes harm, especially when children are involved.

   
   

Ultimately, she believes that while divorce can be painful, it can also be a path to transformation, self-discovery, and healthier relationships in the future. Our therapists are here to help you navigate through this difficult process.