Deciding to separate from a partner is never easy. It’s a deeply emotional choice that often comes with a mix of relief, grief, uncertainty, and fear about the future. Whether the separation is peaceful or complex, it’s crucial to prioritize your emotional well-being, become informed about your rights, and seek out trusted separation resources to help guide you.
At Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling, we support individuals through all stages of relationship change. This guide outlines practical steps to take when you decide to separate and offers accessible separation resources in Nanaimo and across Vancouver Island.
Step 1: Prioritize Your Emotional Well-Being
Separation is a major life transition. The emotional toll can be significant, which is why taking care of your mental and emotional health is essential.
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Seek counselling support: Working with a therapist provides a safe space to process your feelings, gain clarity, and start building a healthier path forward. Whether through individual therapy or couples counselling (if appropriate), support can help you stay grounded.
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Practice self-care: Daily activities like journaling, mindful walking, yoga, breathwork, or spending time with loved ones can help reduce stress and boost your resilience.
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Build a support network: Reaching out to trusted friends, family, or community support groups can help reduce isolation and remind you that you are not alone in this journey.
If you’re not sure where to start, separation resources that include counselling and emotional support services in your area can make this transition feel more manageable.
Step 2: Understand Your Legal Rights and Responsibilities
Legal matters are often a big part of separation. You may need to navigate decisions around parenting arrangements, child and spousal support, division of assets, and more. Accessing the right separation resources ensures you make informed choices.
Local Separation Resources for Legal Support – Vancouver Island:
1. Justice Access Centre – Nanaimo
This centre provides free legal information and can connect you with legal professionals for advice on separation-related issues.
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📞 Phone: 250-741-5447
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📍 Address: #302-65 Front St, Nanaimo, BC
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🕐 Hours: Mon–Fri 8:30 AM – 5:30 PM
2. Family LawLine
Offers free telephone legal advice for low-income individuals experiencing family law issues, including separation.
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📞 Phone: 1-866-577-2525
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🕐 Hours: Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri 9 AM–3 PM; Wed 9 AM–2:30 PM
3. Rise Women’s Legal Centre
Provides trauma-informed legal services tailored to women and gender-diverse individuals navigating family law challenges.
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📞 Client Intake: 236-317-9000
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📞 General Inquiries: 604-451-7447
4. Family Law Advocacy Program
Offers support with legal information, referrals, and advocacy—especially helpful in complex or overlapping legal matters like immigration and child protection.
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📞 Phone: 250-723-8281 (Ask for Trudy Wale)
5. Lawyer Referral Service
This service connects BC residents with legal professionals for a reduced-rate consultation—great for exploring your options without committing to full representation.
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📞 Phone: 604-687-3221
These separation resources help make the legal side of separation more accessible and less intimidating.
Step 3: Protect Yourself and Your Children
If safety is a concern or children are involved, it’s essential to take steps to protect everyone’s well-being.
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Document important details: Keep copies of legal documents, bank records, IDs, and anything that may be needed during legal proceedings.
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Create a parenting plan: Try to collaborate on a child-focused parenting plan that prioritizes stability and emotional safety for your children.
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Ensure safety: If your relationship involves emotional, physical, or financial abuse, contact crisis or victim support services immediately.
Haven Society – Community-Based Victim Services
Offers help with safety planning, legal guidance, and emotional support for those affected by violence.
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📞 Direct: 250-585-9375
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📱 Text: 250-616-9119
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☎️ 24/7 Crisis Line: 1-888-756-0616
These kinds of separation resources are critical for anyone navigating a high-conflict or unsafe separation.
Step 4: Address Financial and Housing Needs
Separation often brings changes in housing and finances. It’s important to plan for these changes proactively.
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Review shared accounts: Begin separating your finances by closing joint accounts and opening your own.
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Track your expenses: Understanding your post-separation financial needs can help you set a sustainable budget.
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Explore housing options: If you need emergency shelter or a new place to live, connect with local housing support services.
Some separation resources may also include financial literacy workshops, credit counselling, or community-based housing referrals.
Step 5: Move Forward With Intention
While separation can feel like an ending, it’s also an opportunity to rebuild, rediscover yourself, and start again.
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Reconnect with yourself: Revisit hobbies and interests that you may have neglected.
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Set short- and long-term goals: Think about what you want your life to look like in six months or a year—and take small steps toward it.
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Continue therapy: Post-separation therapy can help you heal from emotional wounds and strengthen your sense of self.
Use this time to access separation resources that help with personal growth, self-discovery, and emotional resilience.
We’re Here to Help
At Vancouver Island Holistic Counselling, we believe that navigating separation can be a turning point toward a healthier, more fulfilling life. If you’re looking for emotional guidance, therapy, or help connecting with the right separation resources, we’re here for you every step of the way.
📞 Contact us today to learn more about how we can support you through this journey.
We acknowledge with gratitude that we live and work on the unceded traditional territories of the Coast Salish People, including the Snuneymuxw, Stz’uminus, Snaw-Naw-As, and Qualicum First Nations.
You are not alone. With the right separation resources and support, healing is possible.