Can Therapeutic Interventions For Divorce Help Couples Stay Together?

For couples facing marital challenges, the possibility of a separation or a divorce can be a significant source of stress. Thus, couples experiencing challenges may turn to relationship counseling or other forms of therapy. These therapeutic interventions can help them nurture their marriage, promote a long-lasting partnership, or navigate divorce and its effects. You may be wondering what forms of divorce counseling are available and how they can help individuals and couples navigate marriage challenges. We will explore the answers to these questions in this article. 

Why do people seek divorce therapy?

Individuals and couples may choose to seek the advice of a counselor for a variety of reasons. Because divorce can present a unique set of emotional and mental health challenges, it’s not uncommon for individuals to consult a therapist in the aftermath of a divorce. Therapy can help them maintain their wellbeing and get support as they move into their new life. However, couples may also choose to work with a therapist if they find themselves experiencing challenges or disagreements within their marriage, are concerned about a potential divorce, or otherwise believe they would benefit from the help of an objective outsider. 

Common reasons couples may see divorce therapists, relationship therapists, or mental health counselors may include:

• Challenges with communication
• Conflicts about child-rearing, moving, careers, or other major life decisions
• Navigating significant life events such as illnesses
• Infidelity
• Navigating the decision to get divorced
• Managing the challenges of an impending divorce
• Managing the aftermath of a divorce
  

These are just a few of the reasons married or recently divorced individuals or couples may seek the support of a mental health professional. 

Can therapeutic interventions help couples stay together?

Couples experiencing marital challenges may wonder whether the intervention of a relationship counselor or therapist can help them repair their relationship without getting divorced.

According to one study published in the Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, “Controlled experimental tests of behavioral and emotion-focused approaches improve the relationships of 60–80% of couples by the end of therapy”. It may be important to keep in mind, however, that many factors can contribute to a couple’s decision to get a divorce or stay together. 

What therapeutic interventions for divorce are there?

Divorce can be a stressful event that can lead to negative emotions. Therapeutic interventions may help couples manage marital challenges, navigate the divorce process, and tend to their mental health in the aftermath of a divorce. 

Therapeutic interventions for divorce may include:

Discernment counseling: Discernment counseling is a form of short-term therapy aimed at assisting couples who are uncertain whether they want to continue their marriage or get divorced. Because ending a marriage can be a big step, discernment counseling may be useful for determining whether it is possible to solve the challenges that have led the couple to consider divorce. 

Divorce coaching: Also known as divorce counseling, this form of therapy aims to provide couples with logistical and emotional support for navigating the stages of divorce. Divorce counselors can help couples understand the legal options available to them, determine how to break the news of the divorce to their family members and friends, and manage other aspects of the divorce process. 

Post-divorce counseling: Post-divorce counseling is a form of therapy aimed at helping divorced individuals navigate the challenges that may arise after the marriage ends. Divorce counselors may provide support and insight as individuals confront conflicts involving child custody, learn coping skills for managing divorce-related logistical challenges, and implement self-care strategies in the aftermath of divorce. 

Relationship counseling: For couples who would like to work to improve the health of their marriage, a couples therapist may be a valuable resource. Through collaboration with a relationship counselor, couples may be able to strengthen their communication skills, determine the root causes of relationship challenges, and take steps toward a healthier, more sustainable dynamic. Despite its many benefits, attending therapy in-person may not always be feasible. Couples and individuals juggling busy schedules and conflicting commitments may find it challenging logistically to commute to a therapist’s office for in-person sessions. In these situations, online therapy through a platform like BetterHelp may be a helpful alternative. With internet-based counseling, you can attend sessions from wherever it is most convenient. The ability to send messages to a counselor outside of scheduled therapy sessions may also be helpful for couples in need of extra support.

The benefits of online individual and couples therapy have been demonstrated in a variety of studies. One recent study found that couples who received counseling via teleconference demonstrated comparable therapy outcomes – including efficacy of the sessions, perceived therapeutic alliance, and overall patient satisfaction – to those who received counseling in person.