When we say the words, “I do,” we never imagine that one day we’ll be going to therapy for divorce. But statistics point to the fact that many marriages do not make it. In fact, the CDC reports that 42% of marriages have a high probability of ending in divorce.
Why you should consider therapy for divorce
When a marriage ends, it typically leaves one or both partners wondering, “WTF?“
Divorce is a major, painful life transition. For most people, (even those who initiate it) it can be traumatic as well as mentally, physically, and emotionally draining.
Therapy for divorce creates an opportunity to explore and process the overwhelming emotions that take over during a divorce.
Therapy for divorce can offer people coping skills and strategies to help navigate the overwhelming thoughts and feelings they are experiencing in the midst of a divorce. Therapy for divorce can also offer a safe place to explore and process your thoughts and feelings so you can make sense of them yourself. It’s a way for people to develop a healthy outlook on their divorce and become empowered to growth and healing.
Different Types of modalities for Therapy For divorce
There a few different formats to engage in therapy for divorce including, individual, couples, and family therapy.
Every situation is unique and will require the right type of therapy. For example, if you and your partner have children together family therapy might be the best approach. This modality can give everyone an opportunity to process and share their feelings with each other in a safe place with a therapist to help facilitate the process.
Individual therapy
Individual therapy is incredibly helpful for those experiencing depression or anxiety, or who view the divorce as a personal failure (a perfectly natural response.) This type of therapy can help you discover your own needs and a better understanding of who you are as well as where you want to go from here.
Couples therapy
Couples therapy can be an opportunity to possibly avoid a divorce or, as many couples do, an opportunity to create a co-parenting plan and strategy.
Divorce will never be easy. But with the proper guidance, the lines of communication can stay open and the separation can remain constructive and amicable. A well-trained therapist can help you both navigate hard decisions such as financial obligations, living situation, co-parenting and more.
Family therapy
Children are, of course, deeply affected by a divorce. More often than not, their parents are too consumed in their own emotions to offer helpful support and guidance. Family therapy is a great opportunity to help the entire family deal with the feelings of grief and loss.
Mediation
Settling a divorce in court is extremely costly and exhausting. There is a reason why divorce attorneys live in million dollar homes and drive cars worth more than most Americans make in year. Many smart couples shoes to mediate their own divorce through the help of a trained therapist or a divorce mediator. Mediation costs next to nothing compared to battling it out in court and it typically takes significantly less time than divorce litigation. Additionally, it can also help improve your lines of communication as you both move forward.
Life is short, but going through a divorce can feel like an eternity. If you’re considering, or already in the midst of ending your marriage, find and awesome therapist or life coach you like and trust to help you navigate your way though the transition.
James Killian, LPC is the Principal Therapist & Owner of Arcadian Counseling in New Haven, CT where they specialize in helping over-thinkers, high achievers, and perfectionists reduce stress, increase fulfillment and enhance performance so they can move From Surviving To Thriving.