People preparing for divorce often find themselves in a difficult situation. Their previously predictable and stable daily lives may now be chaotic and uncertain. Their relationships and finances may change abruptly. They may find themselves dealing with a lot of emotional turmoil and high levels of stress.
It can be very difficult for those going through a divorce or recovering from one to handle the process alone. Professional counseling or therapy can be beneficial for anyone experiencing a chaotic disruption to their life or recovering from trauma. Even an amicable divorce can be a traumatic experience.
How can therapy help people going through a divorce or rebuilding after one?
Helping parents cooperate
Divorcing couples with children sometimes agree to go to therapy jointly. They do so not to save their marriage but rather to find a way to work together for the benefit of their children. Co-parenting counseling can give parents the tools they need to communicate with each other and resolve conflicts. A co-parenting counselor can help resolve minor disputes and can give parents a space to discuss their frustrations and concerns.
Helping one spouse process
Divorce can overwhelm people emotionally. They may have a hard time staying calm and rational because of their feelings of betrayal or guilt. People who want to push for appropriate divorce outcomes often need to set aside their emotions to focus on practical considerations. Counseling can make it easier for people to handle their emotions outside of court or meetings with their lawyers.
Helping people improve themselves
Even in cases where one spouse is likely to blame for the divorce, both spouses may have contributed to the overall breakdown of the marital relationship. Even when one spouse cheats or behaves abusively, the other may have responded poorly to that behavior. Therapy can help people understand their contributions to the failure of the marriage and learn from their mistakes. They can obtain new conflict resolution and communication skills and a better perspective on their own behaviors. They can avoid making the same mistakes again when they finally decide they are ready to date after the divorce.
Getting the right type of support can take much of the frustration and pain out of divorce proceedings. Spouses need to know their rights and to recognize how important healing is if they want a better life after the end of a marriage.
