What is the purpose of the counseling process during and after divorce?

For most people, divorce breaks their lives apart, and before they can move forward, they need to be able to pick up the pieces. This period often includes deep feelings of despair, disappointment, revenge, hopelessness, and helplessness. They need to mourn the life of which they are letting go and to develop a new orientation to life as a no-longer-partnered person.

Divorce counseling is designed to help divorced individuals work through this difficult time in their lives. It provides information about divorce and the process of healing afterward. It offers a place for divorced people to address the issues surrounding the loss of their marriage, teaching the skills and techniques of reflective thought, personal management, problem resolution, and self-healing.

The counseling process, whether individual or in a group, provides an arena for exploration and discovery. One-on-one counseling is tailored and appropriate for those who need a little guidance to jumpstart their new lives as single people and for those with deeper issues predating separation or resulting from the loss of marriage. Divorce groups consist of caring people who themselves are at various post-divorce stages and can help facilitate the recovery of other group members. Groups offer support, education, and problem-solving suggestions and encouragement.

Dr. Deborah Hecker welcomes calls from both divorce lawyers and clients for assistance during the divorce and post-divorce processes.