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Divorce is a difficult time for any family. But there is hope. Different therapies are available to help families cope with the many emotions of divorce. In this blog, our team will discuss some of the most common forms of therapy used when assisting families in transitioning into their new lifestyle. We hope this provides more insight into your next steps moving forward.
Forms of Therapy
Families going through a divorce often face a host of challenges. In addition to the emotional upheaval, they must also contend with changes in:
- Financial stability
- Living arrangements
- Family dynamics
As a result, it is not surprising that divorce is one of the most stressful life events that a person can go through. Many mental health professionals offer therapy services to help families deal with the challenges of divorce. Through many forms of therapy, these therapists can help families to:
- Communicate more effectively
- Resolve conflict
- Rebuild relationships
In addition, therapy can provide an important outlet for parents and children to express their feelings and learn how to cope with divorce. By offering support and guidance, therapy can help families to navigate the challenges of divorce and emerge stronger and more resilient.
Individual Therapy
Individual therapy can be highly beneficial for parents and children to cope with the challenges of divorce. Individuals can address their unique needs and feelings by meeting with a therapist one-on-one in a safe and supportive environment. In addition, therapy can provide parents with valuable tools and insights for dealing with divorce stressors, such as co-parenting arrangements or communication difficulties.
The length of this therapy depends on the clients. A therapist will recommend the frequency of appointments depending on the client’s situation.
Individual therapy can be a place for children to express their fears and frustrations about the divorce. It can also be an opportunity to develop coping skills and learn how to express themselves healthily. Ultimately, individual therapy can benefit parents and children by helping them navigate the challenges of divorce more healthily.
What to Expect in Individual Therapy
In this form of therapy expect a one-on-one session with the therapist. There a person can expect to explore many issues, including:
- Behavioral problems
- Conflict resolution
- Expression of emotions
- Problem-solving
Group Therapy
Group therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on the needs of the group or family. In group therapy, family members can share their experiences and feelings with others going through similar situations—this can help them feel less alone and understand that their reactions are normal.
Group therapy can also allow families to learn new communication and conflict-resolution skills. By working through these issues together, families can develop a stronger sense of cohesion and build healthier relationships with each other.
What to Expect in Group Therapy
In group therapy, each person is given a safe space to express their feelings and ask any questions. This therapy usually takes place in a group setting, but it’s common to have one-on-one sessions with the therapist.
Forensic Therapy
Forensic therapy focuses on gathering information on an individual rather than treating them. This form of therapy is commonly used in custody evaluations or complex criminal investigations involving drug addiction and child abuse. Forensic psychologists use investigatory techniques to evaluate and examine the situation, where they will ultimately decide the best situation for the family.
What to Expect in Forensic Therapy
The psychologist’s job is to psychologically analyze the relationship between the child and their parents. A parent can expect many questions as these evaluations are stringent and evidence-based. The evaluation will also involve:
- Interviews with the child, the parents, and close family members
- Home visits
- Psychological evaluations
Trauma-Focused Therapy
Trauma-focused therapy is a type of therapy that focuses on helping people heal from the trauma of divorce. It recognizes how trauma impacts a child mentally, emotionally, physically, and behaviorally and provides strategies to assist a child in better understanding their feelings. The goal is to help the child understand how to process their emotions and memories attached to their traumatic experiences to create a healthier outlook on what happened during that time.
What to Expect in Trauma-Focused Therapy
In trauma-focused therapy, a child typically shares a story with their therapist about what’s going on. Over time, the child will eventually build tolerance and share their story with their parent(s) through intervention.
Reunification Therapy
Reunification therapy focuses on reuniting or re-establishing a relationship between a parent and child. A therapist will highlight the importance of attachment in hopes of promoting healthy communication and healing the wounds the parent left. This form of therapy is often court-ordered after a parent-child conflict has occurred, resulting in the child refusing to contact the parent.
What to Expect in Reunification Therapy
A parent can expect co-parenting work to be done during their session. They will also improve their communication skills to learn how to express their feelings in productive and appropriate ways.
Play Therapy
Play therapy can be an effective way for children to process their feelings and start to come to terms with their parent's divorce. Through play, children can express themselves in a safe and secure environment.
They can experiment with different roles and scenarios, which can help them to make sense of their own experiences. Play therapy can also provide a space for children to share their worries and concerns. With the support of a therapist, children can begin to understand and accept their parents' divorce.
What to Expect in Play Therapy
In play therapy, a child will have fun and play. While some sessions involve playing, some sessions will involve one-on-one discussions about the child’s feelings. A parent isn’t typically involved in these sessions unless the therapist requests.
One of the best things you can do for your family during this time is to seek professional help. Therapists can help adults and children process their feelings and learn new coping mechanisms. If you are considering divorce, it is also essential to seek out experienced legal assistance.
Utah Family Law Attorneys
An experienced family law attorney can help you navigate the legal process and protect your interests. If you live in Utah, Pearson Butler can help you sort out the legalities of your separation. Let us help you make a smooth transition into your new life.
To get in touch with a team member, call (800) 265-2314 or fill out a consultation request form on our website.
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