Far too many people see divorce as a sign of weakness – and divorce counseling as a dispensable, if not suspect, way to pass the time. Alongside the legal and financial aspects of a divorce, there are a myriad of emotions to sort through as well. While hiring an experienced and reputable divorce attorney makes sense to ensure you get everything you deserve, a professional divorce counselor or divorce coach will ensure that you get the emotional support and tools you can use to get through the divorce unscathed. Here are some tips on divorce counseling assistance when the need arises.
What to Expect from Divorce Counseling
Divorce counseling is short-term counseling aimed at managing the emotional hiccups experienced by those going through a divorce. Counseling typically happens during or after the divorce process is initiated. You might choose to attend counseling alone, with your former spouse (“exit counseling”), or with your children. A counselor can help you work through disagreements or communication issues, for example. But counseling is tailored to meet your particular needs, so it will look a little different for everyone. At its core is the goal of making everyone feel supported and prepared for life after the divorce.
Types of Divorce Counseling
Every person, couple, and family has different needs. For this reason, there are different types of divorce counseling. The four most common are:
- Individual Therapy: This is the way to go for those who are experiencing depression, anxiety, or personal failure in the divorce. Individual counseling sessions are a great space to work through these all too common feelings and gain a more positive perspective to take into life after divorce.
- Couples Therapy: A therapist or mediator can offer assistance working through various sticking points. A divorce counselor can help both parties establish guidelines to minimize negative contact, and facilitate dialogue to promote healthy discourse around financial and parenting issues.
- Family Therapy: Children often experience feelings of wavering loyalty, isolation, anxiety, and even abandonment as decisions are made which deeply affect them without their input. Some children blame themselves for their parent’s divorce. Family therapy allows all parties involved to work through the changes together to reframe what is occurring in the family for long term emotional stability.
- Certified Divorce Coaching: Divorce coaches provide strategies and tools to help cut through the confusion of the divoce process while helping identify key issues and desired outcomes around financial, custody or personal growth.
How to Find Help
There are a variety of ways to go about getting the right divorce counseling you need. These days, online or zoom therapy is a viable option for many, as they can fit sessions in with their lifestyle and schedule. Some resources for learning more about divorce counseling are:
- Your divorce attorney
- Your Health insurance
- Your church or faith-based organization
- Friends and coworkers who have been through a divorce
- BetterHelp E-Counseling Platform
Divorce can be an overwhelming and seemingly never-ending process. There is no shame in getting the support you deserve, including counseling or coaching. Obtaining additional assistance to supplement the legal guidance and advocacy undertaken by your lawyer will only benefit you and is well worth the effort and resources.