1. Divorce Should Be Treated as a Family Condition
The effects of a divorce affect everyone in a family and should be treated as a family condition. The emotional fallout from a divorce can leave both parents and any children involved feeling tired, depressed, angry or anxious because of the recent shift in family dynamics. Seeking professional help to assist in navigating a divorce can be extremely helpful in overcoming some of the emotional trauma of a separation. Finding a licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) or general counselor to help with the emotional ups and downs of divorce could be the best decision you ever made. Counseling can be especially helpful for families with teenage children who may react more strongly to the divorce than younger children who are still fairly adaptable. Nonetheless, it is a good idea for anyone struggling with divorce.
2. Finding a Great Counselor
Shopping for a counselor can be a bit like finding the right shoes. Not just any counselor will do; the search for the right counselor should not be rushed and should feel right to you. You would never buy a shoe that didn't fit, and the same rule should apply to counselors. Counselors come in many different varieties; LMFTs, licensed professional counselors (LPCs), psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers and religious counselors should all be adequately trained to deal with the emotional trauma associated with divorce. Ask friends and acquaintances to make recommendations or referrals to counselors who have benefited them. You can also use a referral service to find a mental health professional who fits your needs. Feel free to try out a counselor once or twice to get a feel for whether or not she will be adequate for your families needs. Also, don't be afraid to look elsewhere for counseling if you are not comfortable in your therapeutic setting.
3. The More You Go, the Better It Gets
If counseling is effective, then the more you go the more benefit it has. Therefore counseling ideally is done on a weekly or bi-weekly basis to see the most positive change from the experience. Juggling work and school schedules around family counseling can be a challenge for even the most experienced multi-tasker. However, it is worth it to ensure that the divorce is navigated in a healthy and emotionally supportive manner. Family divorce therapy is not an overnight process and it often takes months, and sometimes years, to wade through the fallout. Patience and a dedication to emotional wellness will go a long way. Take the time to conscientiously walk through the therapeutic process with a knowledgeable mental health care worker and you will most likely feel a burden lifted.
