Divorce Counseling And Therapeutic Interventions For Divorce

For couples facing marital challenges, the possibility of a separation or a divorce can be a significant source of stress and grief. 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. What forms of divorce counseling are available and how can they 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 for counseling in the aftermath of a divorce. Therapy can help them maintain their well-being, understand their feelings and get support as they move forward 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 seek divorce counseling and 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 in their married life such as illnesses
• Infidelity
• Navigating their feelings and the decision to get divorced
• Managing the challenges and stress of an impending divorce
• Managing their life and grief 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 and move forward 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 and divorce mediation can be a stressful event that can lead to negative emotions and feelings such as profound grief, sadness, anger, or confusion. Therapeutic interventions such as divorce counseling 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 and clients who are uncertain whether they want to continue their marriage or get divorced. Because ending a marriage can be a big step in life, discernment counseling may be useful for determining whether it is possible to solve the challenges that have led the couple to consider divorce. Should a couple then decide to pursue a divorce, they may wish to continue discernment counseling or seek divorce counseling.

Divorce coaching or divorce counseling

Also known as divorce counseling, this form of therapy aims to provide couples and clients 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 such as divorce mediation. 

Post-divorce counseling and coping skills for couples and children

Post-divorce counseling is a form of therapy aimed at helping divorced individuals and clients navigate the challenges and grief that may arise after the marriage ends. Divorce counselors may provide support and insight as individuals and clients confront feelings, stress, and conflicts involving child custody and (and other issues related to sharing children), and teach clients the practical aspects of divorce such as financial changes and dividing assets, learn coping skills for managing divorce-related logistical challenges and divorce mediation, and implement self-care strategies in the aftermath of divorce. 

Relationship counseling for couples who want to save their marriage

For couples and clients who would like to work to improve the health of their marriage, divorce counseling with 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 in their married life. In the therapy, questions like “Were your expectations in your marriage reasonable?”, or “Did you contribute to both the problem and the solution?”, and many more will be discussed.

 Despite its many benefits, attending therapy in person may not always be feasible for some clients. 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 or divorce counseling 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 divorce counselors outside of scheduled therapy sessions may also be helpful for couples in need of extra support.

Mental health support through online therapy

Online therapy is a powerful tool to get mental health support wherever you are. Whether you are feeling down and exhausted over disagreements in your marriage or with the hassles from divorce proceedings and divorce mediation, you can easily connect with a licensed professional counselor or therapist online for divorce counseling and support. No matter where you are, help is just a chat away, making it easier than ever to prioritize your well-being.

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