Navigating Divorce and the Emotional Consequences for Parents and Children

Carolina Gaviria, LMHC, NCC, CEDS-S
and Ara Mascarenas, LMHC

Nobody gets married thinking that they will get divorced. However, divorce is a reality that affects many families in the U.S. and requires continued support to address the emotional impact on family members, especially children. In this presentation, you will gain insight into the effects of divorce on children's attachment and explore their grief and loss process. You'll learn how parent guilt can impact parenting, boundaries, and discipline, and the issues that may arise during the transition from divorce. Finally, you'll discover creative interventions to engage children & teens during the therapeutic process to help them rebuild their lives.

Learning Objectives: 

1.     Understand the effects that divorce can have on attachment in children and teens.

2.     Explore how children and teens go through grief and loss during a divorce. 

3.     Identify how parent guilt may impact parenting, boundary setting, and discipline.

4.     Describe issues that may arise from transitioning from divorce and bring accountability to the parenting agreement. 

5.     Learn creative interventions to engage and work with children.

2.0 General CEU Hours

Carolina Gaviria, LMHC, NCC, CEDS-S

I’m a bilingual/Spanish licensed mental health counselor, a national certified counselor, a certified eating disorders specialist and ieadp approved supervisor as well as certified EMDR therapist. I am committed to helping and supporting children, teens, and adults find freedom and inner peace from their eating disorder, depression, anxiety, and trauma.

I understand the concern about a loved one’s well-being when they are sad and anxious sometimes restricting, binging, and purging, or using drugs to self-medicate. I know how difficult it is for that person to just stop or change, especially when they don’t really know how. This is why I focus not only on the problem but also the solution teaching clients coping strategies and new ways of seeing the situation they are in. Depression and anxiety can create a cyclic pattern very difficult to break and eating disorders and addictions can become a very unhealthy coping mechanism to deal with inner pain.

As the co-founder of Home for Balance Psychotherapy Group, LLC and the Food & Mood Institute, I strongly believe in full recovery and the power of family and teamwork. I have over 20 years of experience as a mental health counselor, and I currently practice in the Coconut Creek area and online via secure platform. In my private practice I hold sessions in both, English and Spanish, and offer flexible hours. I’m very approachable and provide a safe and comfortable environment for clients to be themselves, while fully exploring the concerns that bring them to counseling. I’m also aware that every individual is different and offer personalized services to help you achieve your goals.

During the past 15 years I have specialized in the diagnosis and treatment of eating disorders, addictions and trauma. I also sit at the board of the International Association for Eating Disorders Professionals South Florida Chapter (iaedp) and have presented at numerous conferences on the impact of eating disorders. I’m committed to support individuals and families affected by eating disorders, and serve as a catalyst for education, prevention, and access to quality care.

Ara Mascarenas, LMHC

I am a dedicated pre-licensed mental health therapist with a master’s degree from Nova Southeastern University. I have a wealth of experience in diverse clinical settings, including schools, clinics, and outpatient services. My focus has been on addressing mental health concerns, fostering healthy development, promoting social-emotional learning, and enhancing executive functioning skills.

Specializing in working with children aged 4 to 18, as well as young adults, I possess a deep understanding of the unique challenges and developmental needs that arise during these crucial stages of life. As a bilingual clinician fluent in both English and Spanish, I can effectively communicate and connect with clients from different cultural backgrounds, fostering a sense of comfort and understanding.

My passion lies in working with children and adolescents facing a range of issues, including behavior challenges, navigating divorce, recovering from traumatic experiences, ADHD, anxiety, and depression. I provide compassionate and tailored support to facilitate healing and growth.

Additionally, I value community involvement and I sit on the board of the Mental Health Counselors Association of Palm Beach.

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