Parents preparing for divorce are often eager to keep things stable for their children. Their main priority may be minimizing disruptions and negative outcomes for their children. Intense emotions and interpersonal conflicts are all but guaranteed during divorce proceedings.
Even when parents agree that they should try to keep things amicable for their children, they may struggle to do so. Counseling or therapy can be an important form of support as a family navigates divorce proceedings and adjusts to shared custody arrangements.
How can professional counseling support help parents going through divorce?
By providing a place for processing
Parents who do not work through and acknowledge their emotions they have a hard time remaining calm throughout the divorce. Suppressed emotional reactions can boil over during other minor issues and conflicts. To prevent emotional deregulation that could affect the children, parents need a space where they can explore their feelings. A therapist’s office is a confidential environment for parents to talk about their concerns and frustration without that information ever reaching their children or co-parents.
By supporting co-parenting attempts
Marriage counseling is probably not the best solution if couples have already decided to divorce. Co-parenting therapy, on the other hand, can be a very useful resource. During co-parenting therapy, parents learn conflict resolution and communication skills. They discuss challenges that relate to their different approaches to parenting. Regular co-parenting therapy sessions can help adults learn how to navigate the challenges of raising children cooperatively across two households.
By offering the children necessary support
Family counseling sessions where everyone sits down together can be helpful as children adjust to divorce. They may also benefit from one-on-one counseling, especially if they have particularly strong reactions to the divorce. Even when parents try to be supportive, children may not feel comfortable expressing their negative emotions about the divorce to family members. A therapist is a neutral and confidential professional who can help children figure out how to cope with their strong negative feelings.
A variety of different counseling services can prove beneficial for those adjusting to shared custody arrangements. Counseling for parents, children and the entire family can sometimes help relieve divorce-related stress.