Emotional Support - Family Counseling

FAMILY COUNSELING

Should Spouses Seek Counseling Prior to a Divorce?

Before speaking with a family law attorney about divorce, spouses should first explore family therapy or couples counseling in order to fully investigate the problems within the marriage. In this manner, they can determine what course of action is necessary to address, and perhaps solve, the problematic issues.

A good psychotherapist will assist both parties identify the difficulties together, and ask the kinds of questions that will stimulate the parties involved to begin thinking about what they need from the relationship. The mental health professional will also offer viable suggestions on how to address and work with specific issues. To find a qualified therapist, you can call your state’s psychological association or ask an experienced lawyer for recommendations. Friends and associates who have gone through a divorce can also be excellent resources for referrals.

If a divorce is necessary, each parent should get counseling to assist in dealing with the emotional chaos. For the parents who are in conflict and are having a great deal of difficulty communicating, a class in handling conflict can be very beneficial for them, and for their children. In Colorado, you can call the Center for Divorce and Parenting at 303-771-5424.

Do our children need counseling?

If the children are experiencing great difficulty and/or if they are “acting out” their grief and distress, counseling can be helpful. Group counseling for children can be wonderful as it very often “normalizes” the situation for them. Sometimes family counseling is in order. A psychotherapist can help to determine what type of counseling is best for your family.

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