Couples counseling is something that a lot of people use when they’re trying to save their marriage – but counseling is also something that couples are starting to use to help them navigate their divorces.
The end of a marriage is rarely easy, and “divorce counseling” can help both parties come out the other side with fewer emotional scars. If you’re hoping for a healthy, more amicable divorce, here’s why you should consider counseling with your soon-to-be-ex:
It facilitates clearer communication
When a marriage is falling apart, it can get harder and harder for a couple to communicate honestly. Nobody wants to talk when every discussion becomes hurtful or turns into a fight. A skilled divorce counselor can help both parties express their feelings safely and constructively, which can reduce potential misunderstandings and keep conflicts from escalating.
It allows you to focus on the future
Once the decision to divorce has been made, there’s no reason to dwell on the past. A counselor can help both parties define their goals for the future, whether that involves being good co-parents, investing in personal growth or just navigating the social situations that come up when a long-term marriage ends.
It can minimize the impact on your children
If you and your spouse have any children together – even if they are now adults – your divorce is going to have an impact on them. By working to create a relationship with your ex-spouse that is, at minimum, cordial and cooperative, you can minimize the distress your children feel about the situation.
Ultimately, anything you can do to resolve lingering feelings of resentment or regret is important. Legal guidance can help you with all the technical details of your divorce, but counseling can show you how to emotionally embrace the transformation to come.