A few comments on the MC. First, I agree that you need clarification on what the purpose. My W's friend went to MC and the sole purpose was to get her DH on board with the D and work through the parenting issues. Personally, I think it was unfair because it gave the guy false hope as there are other ways to do this. She also might be confused about things.
You have to remember RIGHT NOW she thinks she need things you can't give her. That can changes, assuming you know what those things are.
If it is traditional marriage counseling, I think it's going to be hard on your to both detach and be an active participant in that.
As for the separation. Google temporary marital separation and you will get a lot of views on it. An MC should also know about it. If you do it, most experts agree that you need to have a set of rules. The first and foremost is no dating others.
Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet. --Jean Jacques Rousseau.
