Divorce Recovery

Divorce is one of the most stressful and painful life events one will ever experience.  Even when there are good reasons or positive feelings, it is still the death of a dream and the end of one's hope for the relationship.  Whether the ending is sudden or anticipated, the wound can be deep.

The grief that arises is often overwhelming.  Grief, sometimes accompanied by anger (or other feelings), can be expressed in various areas of life.  A person might experience loneliness, anxiety, or fear in ways that were unexpected before the end of the relationship.  A skilled counselor can be a valuable asset during these times.

An individual typically also feels the effects of divorce in their body.  There can be significant muscle tension and an increased liklihood of physical illness.  Fears about finances, relationships, even questions about identity, now that one is no longer part of a couple, can surface.  It is common to experience disturbances in sleeping, eating, and focusing.  A person may feel overwhelmed - feeling that one is just not coping the way one used to in more balanced times.  These symptoms are signatures of the divorce process.

When children are involved in a divorce this can make matters even more heartbreaking and complicated.  There are concerns over how the children will cope with the loss and the changes, as well as how the parents will interact with them.  Typically, the communication between the divorcing couple regarding their child/children is strained.  It is very beneficial for children if their parents are able to work out divorce issues with other adults and not with them.  Talking with a person who understands the nature of divorce can help one or both parents figure out the best way to discuss parenting issues and scheduling.

Once the grief and loss have passed, it is time to focus on getting beyond divorce. Attending to one's own needs is part of the healing process that leads away from divorce and towards the next phase of life.

Foundations Counseling offers help with all phases of the divorce process:

• The decision to divorce.
  
  
• Understanding and navigating the legal process, including knowing what your options and choices are.
  
  
• Developing parenting plans.
  
  
• Recovering, repairing, and refocusing after divorce.
  
  
  

If you are struggling with any of the issues mentioned above, please contact us today for your free consultation and ask to speak with Kimberley Harris, Ray Robinson, Jennifer Reed, or Chris Berger.