Going through a divorce is extremely taxing. You’re in uncharted territory, your entire life is being uprooted, and if you have kids, you stress is increased tenfold. This is why attending therapy during your divorce proceedings can be, well… therapeutic. A therapist can be particularly useful during the trying times in your life. What time is more trying than a divorce?
Attending Therapy During Divorce Proceedings: Benefits
It’s an outlet
Attending therapy during this difficult time is a great way to get out your frustrations, and refocus. Especially if you have children, you need to keep your head in the game. As sad as it is to say, life goes on during a divorce. You still have work, kids to get to school, a home to maintain, all while you’re making a major change. Taking that hour once a week to let it all out and get some guidance can keep you focused in the long run.
Counselor vs lawyer
Your lawyer will handle the technical stuff. They’ll be able to provide guidance, but not in the emotional department. So, think of your therapist as the person who maintains your mental state, while your lawyer fights for your physical state. Speaking with a professional who can help you sort through your aggression, grief, and other emotions will keep your head clear for the technical side of things. You will likely be able to make more logical, less emotionally-driven decisions that will benefit you in the long run.
You’ll be a better parent for it
As I’ve said, therapy is an outlet. it allows you to get all of those emotions out, recalibrate, and refresh. Therapy also serves as a strong reminder of what is still going strong in your life. For a parent, that’s your kids. They need you, your attention, and to be left out of all the tough stuff. While you might know this in your bones, it’s easy to forget when you have a bitter taste left in your mouth. For example, you just left a mediation session and your spouse made you angry. He made a move to take the family home and leave you to fend for yourself. You’re angry, you’re grieving, and you let it slip when your kids are in the car.
Automatically, your children are beginning to consider their opinion on it all. Dad is trying to hurt mom, and now— the kids are starting to resent their father. Your divorce is between the two of you. Your children fall in between, but that doesn’t mean they need to be involved.
Attending therapy during divorce will make your life easier, overall
It’s an outlet, a neutral opinion, and a means of putting it all out there without repercussion. Anyone who has gone through divorce, and gone at it alone, will be the first to tell you that a good friend, or a therapist, can make all the difference. We wish you luck as you go forward with your divorce.