When people think of divorce and counseling, they often think of unhappy couples trying to force their relationship to work by going to counseling together. That is a stereotype consistently reinforced by the media in books, movies and television shows.
Counseling or therapy can actually be highly beneficial for those experiencing a stressful time in their lives, such as a rocky point in their marriages. Therapy can play a key role in numerous different stages of the divorce process, and those who are open to having support from psychological professionals they have an easier time adjusting to the reality of their divorce.
What role might counseling play in your divorce?
- It may give you the courage to file
The social stigma associated with divorce is much lower now than it was a generation ago. People now recognize that divorce is inevitable for some couples who marry for the wrong reasons or grow apart despite their best intentions.
Still, it may take someone a bit of time in personal therapy or possibly couple’s counseling with their spouse to recognize that they need a divorce. Pursuing individual therapy when your marriage seems to be in a bad place can either help you work on the relationship or recognize when it may be time to end the marriage.
- It may help you or your children move on from the divorce
Some people end up emotionally stuck in the divorce because it is such a traumatic experience. Children may remain emotionally vulnerable for years after their parents divorce unless they learn how to process their feelings.
Even though you are an adult with more coping skills, you may also need help to process your feelings and learn skills to help you deal with the stress of your current situation. Those who have filed for divorce often benefit from seeking counseling so they have a healthy place to express themselves. Children with divorcing parents often benefit from therapy to help them work through their feelings as well.
- Counseling can help you with the divorce or co-parenting
Some couples attend therapy when they decide to divorce so that they can learn communication skills and use them to work out a property division settlement. Other times, couples attend counseling together during or after a divorce to become more effective co-parents of their shared children. Such counseling sessions can both help provide closure for the relationship and resources for healthier interactions in the future.
Recognizing that you may need multiple different kinds of professional help during the divorce process will help you better handle the challenging process of marital dissolution.