Empty Nest Couples Therapy
Baby Boomers are aging into an era of big choices that will mark the last decades of their lives. When they look across the dinner table at one face, not two, three or four, there is no avoiding the “it’s you and me kid… just the two of us.” But can we make it if we try?
This complex phase in marriage is layered with decades of shared history, decisions, accumulations both emotional, financial and physical, so much so that the sheer pondering of it all can trigger panic, flight or paralysis. Financial advisors in TV ads have this comforting approach to families… we can be your guardians, your guides, we can parent you throughout your lifetime. No mistakes will be made, we will make sure of that! Wow. Sign me on. Alas, every Coupledom has its own package of financial burdens and freedoms, location conflicts and generational responsibilities and, a fact that is often overlooked in those soothing ads, two separate personalities, distinct and different despite the shared bank accounts and babies. Two minds deep in their own skins and separate in their fears, wishes and histories as well.
How I work:
- My role is to assist the couple to share their dreams, unpack their fears, and assess their resources.
- To accomplish that complex task, I remain a neutral facilitator who invites both spouses to feel safe enough to express feelings, share history and allow me to problem solve with them both their options and the pathways that lead to a satisfying future together. Financial considerations are a big part of this journey as well as concerns regarding extended family, elderly parents and grandchildren. Added to the mix are personal passions, geographic preferences, passions and hobbies which make this task both challenging and stimulating.
- The empty nest phase of marriage is one of both liberation and loss. My role is to create an environment that allows the couple to work toward a mutually satisfying next phase of life.
Testimonials
"Jill’s attentive approach and warmth set me at ease within moments in our first session. Her regard for my emotions and her heightened listening skills gave rise to trust between us that allowed me to grow exponentially. I cannot express my gratitude enough to Jill for the work we’ve done together."
Kim
Jill helped me tremendously over a 20 year period. She is perceptive, smart, articulate, humorous and as another reviewer put it, “she hits the nail on the head” with many issues. I was in a very difficult marriage when I began seeing Jill, and she got me through the remainder of my marriage, and years later a very lengthy, difficult divorce. I credit her with that and will always be grateful. Through the process, Jill helped me understand my family background and some of the reasons I had the issues I had and have. Jill is a very caring person and her guidance and help were thoughtful in all ways.
RSL
"Jill was able to compassionately, yet purposefully, unearth the root issues that had left our marriage of twenty-five years in a tenuous place; helping each of us to better understand and take ownership of our unique contributions to the state of our relationship. After lots of hard work, patience, and, with Jill’s help – a newfound empathy for each other, our sessions with Jill fostered an ease of communication and understanding that was very difficult for us to elicit before meeting her. I am pleased to report that now - thirty-five years in - our marriage is stronger than ever. The profoundness of Jill’s impact on our lives cannot be overstated."
Mark S.
“I have referenced your blog to others many times. You do really and truly get it! There is something about reading the journey taken by someone else to make our own journey easier and to view the sometimes difficult experiences with another’s understanding perspective.”
NN Riverview School parent
"Ms. Edelman is an extremely insightful, caring, compassionate therapist who is able to quickly get to the core of an issue. She has helped me as an individual for many years as well as as part of a couple. In fact, I do not believe that I would have been able to find love without her help. You could not ask for a better professional to help you with any issue. I highly recommend her to all."
Jean
"I have known Jill professionally for over 20 years. She is an absolutely fantastic therapist, that cares deeply for her patients, is easily accessible and always has solid advice and recommendations. She has helped me personally as well as in my marriage, work thru issues as they have arisen over the years. I owe her a great deal of credit for the person I have become today. I consider her a part of my extended family, she has been that important in my life. My wife and I regularly say to each other "thank you Jill".
Will