Divorce is one of the most stressful things one can experience in life; ex-spouses and their children often undergo a whirlwind of emotions from sadness and anger to frustration and resentment. Experiencing all these intense emotions can be pretty overwhelming, and this is why it’s highly encouraged to undergo divorce counselling. Here, they can express all their pent-up emotions and understand them through the guidance of an experienced therapist. In this article, we’ll explore how divorce counselling in Melbourne serves as a safe and supportive space for individuals seeking ways to manage their emotional turmoil and develop healthy coping habits.
Understanding the emotional impact of divorce: the different emotional stress parties undergo.
Some people can go through divorce seeing it simply as a legal process, but many others have a hard time processing it since it entails intense emotional upheaval. Some of the emotions that can be triggered through this ordeal include
Anger and resentment. Separating from your partner, especially if you’ve braved a lot of things and have been together for so long, can make one harbor anger and resentment toward their ex-spouse—especially for messy divorces.
Grief and loss. Given how divorce marks the end of a relationship, one can’t help but mourn the loss of many things, like their future together and a sense of identity. Not a lot of people understand this, but grieving is also a part of the healing process.
Depression and anxiety. Given how an individual goes through such a rollercoaster of emotions for quite some time, they tend to develop depression and anxiety, which can worsen if left unchecked.
Guilt and self-blame. In some cases, one or both partners may develop feelings of guilt, overthinking that they may be the cause of their marriage’s failure.
Fear and uncertainty. Living with someone and suddenly uprooting your whole life and going your separate ways can be pretty scary. Many develop fear about the future, wondering how they’ll fare in their living arrangements and financial security, to name a few. If you have children, you also need to figure out how to co-parent amicably.
How divorce counseling can help individuals adjust.
Divorce counseling offers a lot of benefits, helping individuals navigate through these tumultuous times and the emotional challenges of divorce through the following:
Support and validation. Having someone who understands and supports you in these trying times is important. Your counselor can provide a safe space to offer support and let you release pent-up emotions without judgment, encouraging you throughout the divorce.
Emotional processing. Given there are many intense emotions one can undergo during a divorce, it’s important to learn to identify each one so you can understand and manage your feelings healthily without lashing out at others.
Coping strategies. Given how stressful a divorce can be, it’s not uncommon for people to develop unhealthy habits like excessive drinking or even become uncaring toward themselves. Counselors can teach you effective and healthy coping strategies like breathing exercises, relaxation techniques, and mindfulness to help you manage intense and stressful emotions.
Improve communication and reduce conflict. For individuals who share children with their ex-spouse, divorce counselors can help them develop effective co-parenting strategies through improved communication.
As emotionally challenging as divorce is, one can brave this ordeal through the help of a divorce counselor. After all, divorce is a very distressing event, and by addressing the emotional impact of divorce, individuals can go through life with a better understanding, resilience, and a clearer vision of their future.
