The Couple’s Therapist Offered to Help Me Leave
But how can you tell when a relationship can’t be saved?
The counsellor’s voice on the other end of the phone sounded panicked. “You’re not going back to him are you?” she asked. For a second I paused, confused by the call. Were couple’s therapists meant to take sides? I thought they always tried to save relationships. That’s what every other therapist had tried to do with my husband and I in the past decade.
“No. I’m not planning on going back,” I replied. I’d made up my mind to go for a divorce and was only agreeing to therapy because my ex pressured me into it. I’d moved out two weeks before and had no intention of moving back in with him.
“Good,” her voice relaxed. I could feel her relief through the phone. “I was worried you’d be convinced by what he was saying. He hasn’t changed you know. It’s only been a couple of weeks!”
“I know. It’s how he is. All promises and tears. I know it’s not real.” Actually, I’d assumed she’d bought into it. Most people did. He could be a convincing actor: charismatic, fast-talking, passionate. It had been what I’d fallen for in the beginning.
“What can I do to help you leave for good?” she asked.
