Divorce Counseling for Women

There are several support options for women going through a divorce.

Divorces are unpleasant, stressful experiences that can have a significant impact on the lives of married couples and their families. Women in the divorce process may be able to rely on support from family and friends to help get through this difficult time. When friends and family aren't enough, a woman may want to seek outside counseling to help her adjust to her new circumstances. Many communities offer several options, including individual therapy, group therapy and support groups to those who are in the midst of a divorce.

Divorce and Stress

According to "Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General," divorce is a traumatic life event that can trigger significant symptoms of depression and anxiety in 30 to 40 percent of people experiencing divorce. Women experiencing divorce who are also mothers can be particularly vulnerable to depression: According to the report, studies show the rate of depression to be twice as high for single mothers as it is for mothers who are married.

Private Counseling

Many women find private counseling to be helpful in adjusting to their divorce. In some cases, a woman may want to undergo divorce counseling with her former spouse to help both parties achieve closure. In other cases, she may wish to seek counseling by herself from a psychologist, clinical social worker, professional counselor or member of the clergy. If a woman's insurance does not cover the cost of counseling, she may be able to receive therapy through a community mental health center, which may offer a sliding-scale fee structure to its clients.

Group Therapy

In addition to individual counseling, women who are going through a divorce may find group therapy helpful. In group therapy, at least one mental health professional facilitates a group of people as they work through their struggles and concerns.

Support Groups

Joining a peer-led support group is an inexpensive alternative to private therapy for women experiencing divorce. Peer-support groups exist in communities of all sizes, and can meet in churches, libraries, hospitals, community centers or sometimes private homes. Many support groups do not charge a fee, while some may ask for a small donation to help cover the cost of room rental. Support groups can be extremely general or very specific in scope: Some support groups may be for anyone who has experienced a divorce. Others may offer support to those who have been victims of abuse or who are recovering from living with an addict.

Domestic-Violence Counseling

If a woman is getting divorced from an abusive spouse, specialized counseling can be a good idea. Counselors who specialize in working with domestic-violence victims can help women leaving these relationships to both heal from their trauma and avoid such relationships in the future. Domestic-violence hotlines offer referrals to therapists experienced in this issue.

References

• US Surgeon General: Mental Health: A Report of the Surgeon General: Stressful Life Events
• Psychology Today: Marriage Counseling and the Decision to Divorce
• Equality in Marriage Institute: Divorce Support Groups