For many people in struggling marriages, dedication to their children may be the only thing keeping them together. Parents are often aware that divorce can be traumatic for children. They may make every conceivable effort to work things out and keep the family together. However, when there are truly irreconcilable differences between the parents, they may have no choice but to look into divorce.
Thankfully, if they employ a cooperative approach to the process, they can largely limit how difficult divorce is for their children. Limiting the conflict that they witness, avoiding scenarios where they feel like they have to choose between their parents and ensuring that they have access to appropriate support systems are all important for the mental well-being of children when their parents divorce.
Parents may also want to look into therapy options that could help their family. There are many unique types of therapy available, and the three briefly explained below can be among the most beneficial for families preparing for or healing from divorce.
Co-parenting therapy
For many children, conflict between their parents is the most painful and disruptive element of divorce proceedings. Parents who have decided to end their relationships may need help learning how to interact with one another as co-parents rather than as spouses. Co-parenting therapy can help them learn communication skills and conflict-resolution techniques. They also have a confidential space in which they can discuss their issues with one another and resolve any disagreements with the support of a neutral professional.
Individual therapy sessions
Children may need someone to talk to who isn’t part of their family. They may feel uncomfortable expressing negative emotions about their circumstances to their parents even if they love and trust them. A therapist provides a space where they can vent and process without worrying about damaging their familial relationships. Particularly in scenarios where children display signs of depression or social withdrawal when their parents divorce, arranging for them to see a therapist on an individual basis could be a smart decision.
Family therapy sessions
Sometimes, there are issues that the family may need to discuss as a unit. It can also be beneficial for everyone to learn the same communication, self-calming and conflict-resolution techniques. That way, they can work together during times of intense emotional reactivity. Parents may find that one of these forms of therapy or a combination of different types of mental health support can make the transition to co-parenting much smoother for their families.
Prioritizing the needs of the children can help parents limit the long-term negative consequences of their divorce proceedings. Even parents going through a difficult time with one another can often agree to cooperate for the sake of their children.