Divorce or Separation

When a marriage or relationship ends, there is almost always a period of grief associated with the ending – even if you were the one that decided to end the relationship. This often-difficult decision can be very stressful. It’s hard to accept that the relationship you’ve worked hard to build, is ending – even if it was the best choice for all involved.

The factors surrounding the decision to divorce or separate only complicate matters further. Perhaps there was infidelity, or abuse.  If you were the person who decided to end the relationship, feelings of guilt and even remorse are common. If you are the person who was left, you may feel blindsided, betrayed, or even devastated.

There is so much to deal with and so many confusing and sometimes conflicting feelings – relief and guilt, sadness and excitement for the future, or loneliness and yet a new-found freedom.  It’s not uncommon to feel like a failure. If children are involved, it’s even more complicated.

When is it time to get help?

Everyone who goes through a divorce or separation experiences challenges as they learn to navigate their new life as a single person and/or a single parent. However, if these feelings are impacting your life for an extended time, or you feel stuck, it may be time to talk with a therapist.

You may also want to learn more about:

If you are feeling overwhelmed and exhausted, abnormally anxious, feeling excessive grief or sadness, when your other relationships are affected and your ability to cope or function is limited, or you find yourself coping with unhealthy choices (alcohol, drugs, food, unhealthy relationships, etc.) it might be time to seek help.

Treatment Methods

There is no specific treatment for dealing with the change that divorce or separation brings. Depending on what you’re experiencing (trauma, recovery from abuse, anxiety, depression, grief, etc.), there are many treatment methods that can be successful – Cognitive Behaviour Therapy, Solution Focused Therapy, Mindfulness Therapy and many more. It depends on you and what treatment method best suits your needs and personality. Your therapist will work with you to determine the most effective treatment method for you.

What will I get out of treatment with Insight?

Our therapists will support you and empower you to get through this major change in your life. We can share coping strategies and tools you can use to help you get through this time of transition and help you to see the opportunities that may now exist. We can assist you in setting realistic goals and timelines for those goals. With support, you can come out of this life-altering transition more resilient and better able to cope with all of life’s changes.