Nearly 50% of married couples in the U.S. wind up getting divorced. The reasons partners choose to separate are as diverse as the couples making the choice, although there are some commonly-cited reasons for divorce that come up more than others.
Whether you are considering separating from your spouse due to physical or emotional abuse, lack of commitment, communication issues, ongoing affairs, financial problems, or other complaints, the process can be quite stressful. That’s why divorcing couples should make a point of understanding the importance of seeking a professional counselor during a divorce.
What is Divorce Counseling?
Divorce counseling, also referred to as divorce guidance, is a specialized form of mental health care that addresses the unique concerns of those who are going through a divorce. This specialized therapeutic process can help those who are experiencing ongoing emotional pain and humiliation due to their separations process. Seeking counseling during divorce can make the difference between being stuck in the past and moving on to a healthier, happier life.
Who Should Seek Divorce Counseling?
Speaking with a counselor during a divorce is almost always a good idea. There are some circumstances where this kind of professional help can be absolutely invaluable.
If you find that you can’t stop thinking about your recent divorce and it is preventing you from concentrating on future plans, it might be time to seek counseling. It’s not uncommon for divorced spouses to experience depression, anger, aggression, sleep disorders, substance abuse, or even suicidal thoughts and actions. The fact that these issues are quite common shouldn’t be taken as an indication that they don’t require professional help, though, as a divorce counselor can help his or her clients put all of those negative responses behind them and move on with their lives.
What Are the Benefits of Divorce Counseling?
Divorce counseling helps those who have separated from their spouses understand their responses to it better by helping them identify feelings related to their dissolved marriages. It also offers couples the support they need to face new challenges and prepare themselves for the future. Those who have children often find that divorce counselors can bring valuable advice about how to explain the situation to them and how to handle their reactions, as well.
Counselors who specialize in helping clients deal with divorce have devoted a good deal of time to researching coping mechanisms. These coping mechanisms are then passed on to their clients, who can use them to come to terms with the dissolution of their marriages and process any negative feelings like guilt or anger that it has left behind. This, in turn, can help clients recognize opportunities for growth and decide where they want their lives to go from there.
Finding a Counselor
It can be difficult to choose the right counselor after a divorce. Many divorcing couples feel uncomfortable discussing their personal business with their friends or family members, which can make it difficult to find recommendations. Sometimes the best idea is to ask a divorce lawyer in West Virginia for recommendations since they are often keyed into local psychological communities as well as legal communities.
