Philosophy of Practice
Howard Hurwitz has a number of belief systems in working with parents and children undergoing a separation or divorce. These include the following:
- My role as therapist is to help parents 'move forward' with their lives.
- It is important that parents understand what's 'driving' the conflict.
- In most separating marital situations, a certain amount of conflict is normal.
- Preventing conflictual situations from becoming high conflict is an important objective.
- Everyone in the family is impacted by the conflict.
- High conflict situations are not healthy for anyone in the family.
- Except in some select cases, going to court is not ideal.
- Parents want to get beyond the conflict but sometimes don't know how.
- Parents in high conflict situations need assistance from a therapist in resolving conflict.
- Separation and divorce often brings with it new found opportunities for personal growth.
- The therapist can be helpful in assisting the parents develop skills that will enhance their problem-solving skills with the other parent. This will benefit the children.
- In high conflict situations, there are often a multitude of professionals working with different members of the family. These professionals must make efforts to work in a collaborative and co-ordinated manner, wherever possible.