When Should I Hire a Therapist?
At Onward, we believe it’s never too early to seek support. Deciding when to hire a therapist during a divorce depends on your individual needs, but we’ve found there are several key times throughout the process when professional guidance is particularly helpful.
Key Moments to Consider Therapy:
1. Before or During the Divorce Process
- Emotional Preparation: If you’re struggling with the decision to divorce or feeling overwhelmed by uncertainty, therapy can help you navigate your emotions and prepare for what’s ahead.
- Conflict Resolution: For those dealing with high-conflict situations or co-parenting struggles, a therapist can offer strategies to manage communication and emotional triggers.
2. During Legal Proceedings
- Stress Management: The legal aspects of divorce can be draining. Therapy can provide tools to cope with stress and maintain emotional stability during negotiations or custody battles.
- Co-Parenting Support: Specialists in family therapy can guide you through creating a healthy co-parenting dynamic that prioritizes your children’s well-being.
3. After Divorce is Finalized
- Healing and Identity: Post-divorce, you may face lingering emotions like grief or anger. Therapy can help process these feelings while rediscovering your sense of self.
- Rebuilding Relationships: If you’re considering dating again or need help navigating new relationships, therapy can identify patterns and foster personal growth.
4. When Emotions Feel Unmanageable
- Feeling stuck, anxious, depressed, or emotionally numb are signs you may need support. Unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use or impulsive behavior may also indicate it’s time to reach out.
5. Supporting Your Children
- Divorce impacts children differently. Therapy can help you manage your emotions while supporting your children’s adjustment. Family therapy ensures all voices are heard and supported.
6. Facing Specific Challenges
- If your divorce involves abuse, addiction, or trauma, specialized therapy can be vital for setting boundaries, processing trauma, and developing coping strategies.
Key Moments to Consider Therapy:
- Emotions interfere with daily life or decision-making.
- You feel overwhelmed or unable to cope.
- A trusted friend or loved one expresses concern.
- Difficulty managing co-parenting, finances, or communication with your ex.
- Struggles with rebuilding your identity or moving forward post-divorce.