Going through a divorce is an earth-shattering experience. It’s a significant loss that leaves you questioning yourself and creates issues of trust. Allowing yourself time to grieve while managing legal matters and determining how you will create the next chapter of your life is a complicated process. The emotional stress and overwhelm can hit you on many different levels at the same time.
Two Steps Forward, Three Steps Back
Healing from a divorce isn’t linear – you’ll take a few steps forward and then a couple of steps back. It’s often a frustrating and disappointing process. Time and time again, clients will show up in tears because they thought they had worked through an issue, but it has resurfaced, causing them to question themselves.
Self reflection after a divorce can be painful, but in the long term, worthwhile. During the therapy process you learn about yourself and the role you played in your relationship. We explore your former relationship dynamic, what you would like to change for your next relationship, and the qualities you would like in a partner. It’s an opportunity for healing and for growth.
Becoming Empowered
Therapy during this time also focuses on empowerment. The very first steps are often the scariest: educating yourself about the law, meeting with an attorney, and understanding your financial footing. With therapeutic support, you’ll have the emotional support to properly educate and prepare yourself to become independent.
Empowerment also includes moving forward in your life – another scary step, especially for women who put their careers on hold to raise their children. It’s important to explore your skill set and begin to think about your hopes and dreams. What do you miss doing? Did you put anything on hold to raise your kids or be in that marriage? Working through this process is often a considerable part of the journey.
Rebuilding Faith In Yourself
Divorce is a personal loss, and it’s invaluable to seek guidance and support from someone you trust. During therapy, you’ll learn to rebuild trust and faith in yourself so that you can see things clearly as you move forward into a new life. Once this occurs, you can begin to wean yourself from therapy. Some clients will come in less often to work through smaller issues with someone who knows their history. Others will view this therapeutic relationship as a key component of their new healthcare routine and continue therapy on a regular basis. People who successfully work through this major life transition gain the confidence they need to succeed as a parent, employee, and partner.
