Marriage Counseling in Winter Park, Florida is becoming a vital resource as divorce rates for couples over 50 have doubled since the 1990s. While overall divorce rates are stabilizing, "gray divorce" is on the rise, affecting long-term partnerships that many assumed were safe. At Orlando Thrive Therapy, we've seen firsthand how the transition into retirement or an empty nest can shake the foundation of even the strongest marriages.
Many couples in Orange County reach this stage of life and realize they've grown apart while raising children or building careers. You might look at your spouse across the dinner table and feel like you're living with a roommate rather than a romantic partner. This disconnect doesn't mean the marriage is over. It usually means the relationship needs new tools to navigate this next chapter.
We know that acknowledging you need help isn't easy. But in our experience serving families across Central Florida, we've found that proactive counseling is far less costly—both emotionally and financially—than the alternative.
What Exactly is Gray Divorce?
Gray divorce refers to the separation of couples over the age of 50, a demographic that now accounts for one in four divorces in the United States. Unlike younger couples who might split due to incompatibility early on, these couples have often spent 20, 30, or even 40 years together. In Winter Park, we see this trend frequently among established professionals who reach retirement age and realize their vision for the future doesn't align with their partner's.
The rise in gray divorce is driven by longer life expectancies and shifting social norms. People realize that at 50 or 60, they might have another 20 or 30 years of active life ahead. They aren't willing to spend those decades in an unhappy or unfulfilling relationship.
According to research on this demographic, the divorce rate for this age group has doubled in the last few decades [1]. This isn't just a national statistic; we see the ripple effects right here in our local neighborhoods, from the historic homes near Park Avenue to the quiet streets of Maitland. When a long-term marriage ends, it impacts adult children, mutual friends, and shared financial assets accumulated over a lifetime.
Common Causes of Divorce After 50
The primary drivers of gray divorce usually involve financial friction, "empty nest" syndrome, and a general drift in communication that happens over decades. In Florida, where many people move to retire, the sudden shift from a busy work life to a 24/7 home life can expose cracks in the relationship that were previously ignored.
When the kids leave for college—whether they're heading down the road to UCF or out of state—the distraction of parenting disappears. You're left with just each other. We often hear clients say, "We just don't have anything to talk about anymore."
Financial stress is another massive factor. Living in Winter Park and the surrounding Orange County area comes with a specific cost of living. disagreements about retirement spending, supporting adult children, or downsizing can turn into major conflicts. If one partner wants to travel and the other wants to save, or if one wants to move to a condo downtown while the other wants to stay in the family home, it creates a deadlock.
In our practice, we also see health issues playing a role. As we age, the caretaking dynamic can shift. If one spouse becomes ill, the other may feel overwhelmed or resentful, feelings that are difficult to express without professional guidance.
Can Marriage Counseling Really Prevent Divorce?
Yes, marriage counseling acts as a preventative measure by identifying resentment and communication breakdowns before they become irreversible. Research suggests that couples who seek therapy early have a significantly higher success rate in saving their marriage than those who wait until they are on the brink of separation [2].
Think of it like maintaining a classic car. You wouldn't drive a vintage vehicle for 30 years without a tune-up and expect it to run perfectly. Your marriage is the same. It requires maintenance.
Counseling provides a neutral space where you can say things you've been holding back for years. A skilled therapist doesn't take sides. Instead, they help you decode the arguments you're having. Usually, the fight about the dishwasher isn't about the dishwasher; it's about feeling unheard or undervalued.
At Orlando Thrive Therapy, we focus on helping you rediscover the friendship that started it all. We help you build a shared meaning for your post-retirement life so that you're moving toward the same goals, rather than drifting in opposite directions.
Why Choose a Local Winter Park Therapist?
Choosing a local therapist means working with someone who understands the specific lifestyle and community dynamics of Winter Park and Orlando. We understand the local stressors, from the I-4 commute that grinds down your patience to the social pressures of our tight-knit communities.
When you look for couples therapy, you want a provider who is accessible. If you have to drive an hour across town in traffic, you're less likely to stick with the sessions. Our location in Winter Park makes it easy for residents of Baldwin Park, College Park, and Maitland to prioritize their relationship without disrupting their entire week.
Furthermore, a local expert understands the "sandwich generation" pressure many of our clients face—caring for aging parents in nearby assisted living facilities while still supporting adult children. This specific type of burnout is a common topic in our sessions, and understanding the local resources and geography helps us provide better support.
What Techniques Do We Use at Orlando Thrive Therapy?
We use evidence-based methods like the Gottman Method and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) to help older couples reconnect. These aren't just theories; they are practical frameworks that give you actionable steps to improve your daily interactions.
The Gottman Method
This approach is based on 40 years of research. It focuses on disarming conflicting verbal communication; increasing intimacy, respect, and affection; removing barriers that create a feeling of stagnancy; and creating a heightened sense of empathy and understanding within the context of the relationship. We teach you how to manage conflict rather than trying to eliminate it entirely, which is impossible.
Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT)
EFT is highly effective for couples who feel emotionally disconnected. It helps you identify the negative cycle of interaction you're stuck in—where one person pursues and the other withdraws—and helps you create a secure bond. For couples facing gray divorce, this often involves addressing deep-seated loneliness.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Sometimes, individual thought patterns poison the relationship. CBT helps identify negative thinking that leads to behavioral issues. If you've convinced yourself that "he never listens" or "she doesn't care," you'll look for evidence to support that. We help you challenge those thoughts.
For more on how we approach mental health, you can explore our individual counseling services, which often complement couples work.
Does Counseling Actually Work for Long-Term Couples?
In our experience, couples who have been together for decades often have the highest potential for success because there is a deep foundation of shared history to build upon. We recently worked with a couple in their early 60s from the Audubon Park area. They came to us considering separation because they had simply "run out of things to say."
Through counseling, they realized they weren't falling out of love; they were bored and lacking a shared purpose after their youngest child moved out. By using Gottman techniques to rebuild their "love maps" (knowing your partner's current world), they discovered new shared interests in travel and volunteering. Six months later, they weren't just staying together; they were planning a second honeymoon.
Another case involved a couple dealing with infidelity that happened 20 years ago but was never resolved. Retiring brought it back to the surface. Through EFT, they were finally able to process the old wound, forgive, and move forward without the shadow of the past hanging over their retirement.
How Much Does Marriage Counseling Cost in Winter Park?
In Winter Park and the greater Orlando area, marriage counseling typically ranges from $120 to $200 per session depending on the therapist's experience and credentials. While some insurance plans may cover a portion of therapy if there is a diagnosable mental health condition, couples therapy is often an out-of-pocket expense.
We know cost is a factor. But when you compare this to the cost of a divorce in Florida, the perspective shifts. The average divorce in Florida costs between $15,000 and $30,000 per person when you factor in legal fees, court costs, and the division of assets. That doesn't even account for the cost of setting up a second household or the loss of retirement compounding.
Investing $2,000 or $3,000 in a course of therapy to save a marriage and protect your assets is a financially sound decision. At Orlando Thrive Therapy, we offer various options to make care accessible. We can discuss specific payment structures during your initial consultation.
Is It Too Late to Start Therapy?
It's never too late to improve your relationship, regardless of how long you've been together or how deep the silence has grown. We often hear clients say, "We're too old to change." That simply isn't true. Neuroplasticity research shows our brains can learn new patterns at any age.
There is sometimes a stigma among older generations that you don't air your dirty laundry to a stranger. But therapy isn't about complaining; it's about strategizing. It's a proactive health measure, just like going to the cardiologist or the dentist.
Taking care of your emotional health is just as important as managing your physical health. A toxic or lonely marriage can lead to depression, anxiety, and even physical health problems like high blood pressure. By prioritizing your relationship, you're prioritizing your overall well-being.
Ready to Strengthen Your Marriage?
If you're worried about the direction your marriage is heading, don't wait for a crisis to make a change. You can rewrite the script for your golden years.
At Orlando Thrive Therapy, our experienced counselors are here to guide you back to each other. We offer a safe, confidential space right here in Winter Park to do the work that matters most.
Take the first step today. Visit our contact page or call us to schedule your initial consultation. Mention this blog post for a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to see if we are the right fit for your needs.
Why Maintaining Your Bond Matters
Marriage counseling in Winter Park, Florida offers more than just conflict resolution; it offers a pathway to a revitalized future. Preventing gray divorce isn't just about avoiding legal fees; it's about preserving the family legacy you've built and enjoying the retirement you worked so hard to achieve.
Your relationship has survived 100% of your bad days so far. With the right support, it can thrive in the years to come.
Sources:
[1] Bowling Green State University: "The Gray Divorce"
[2] The Gottman Institute: “The Effectiveness of the Gottman Method”
