Going to therapy during divorce is one of the most recommended ways to cope with the dissolution of a marriage. But is it necessary? Will it benefit you?
Divorce therapy offers significant benefits during and after the divorce. Here are three of them:
Protect your mental health
Your divorce can have substantial impacts on your mental health. You may experience increased anxiety, depression, anger, guilt, confusion, feelings of insecurity, shame, loneliness and decreased self-esteem. These emotions can affect your decision-making skills regarding the divorce and your new life.
A therapist can provide you with the best strategies for managing your emotions by teaching you techniques like mindfulness, deep breathing and relaxation, to help you express your feelings healthily. Accordingly, you can be in a better position to make informed decisions throughout your divorce and afterward.
Additionally, divorce therapy offers emotional support, which is crucial to protecting your mental health when going through a stressful experience like a divorce.
Communicate effectively
Effective communication with your soon-to-be ex-spouse can help you avoid conflicts that can complicate your divorce. Divorce therapy can teach you how to communicate and solve conflicts healthily.
Your therapist can do this by helping you identify a pattern in your communication challenges, perhaps you and your spouse mainly conflict when discussing matters concerning the family home or children if you have any. Then, they can show you how to avoid such challenges – for instance, passing your message respectfully but firmly, actively listening to your spouse and relaxing during discussions.
Set healthy boundaries
Most misunderstandings during divorce stem from the lack of boundaries. Divorce therapy can help you set healthy boundaries to maintain respect between you and your spouse.
If you are going through a divorce, therapy can be integral to making informed decisions. You should also consider legal guidance to understand the process and how to protect your interests.