Pre-divorce counseling is the process that helps couples decide if it is time to get a divorced. Aided by a professional counselor, couples can meet in a safe space to decide if divorce is the answer or not, and what are the steps that follow that critical decision. This being said, pre-divorce counseling offers many different things for every unique person.

As a licensed professional counselor in Denver, we see many couples who are battling with this life-altering decision, and most often, those who are currently going through divorce. Pre-divorce counseling can help alleviate a lot of the tension that happens during a divorce, especially things like parenting plans, finances, what-if’s, and more. Here’s a breakdown on what exactly pre-divorce therapy includes and how it can help.

Decisions

Deciding to get a divorce is never a black and white decision, especially when taking into consideration the unique situation and history that has led to this point. Things like constant fighting, disagreements over fundamental belief systems, infidelity, and more, can lead to the question, “Should I get a divorce?”

Pre-Divorce therapy provides a guided and controlled environment where couples can talk about these issues and decide on divorce. It helps couples consider what they want from their relationship, and if it’s time to get out. If couples think that they want to stay married, they can transition to marriage counseling, where the goal is to repair and nourish the relationship. If the decision is to follow through with divorce, then the counselor guides the couple through the divorce process.

Communication

The most important thing the pre-divorce counseling aids in is communication. Because of the intense emotions associated with divorce along with hurt feelings, communicating may be difficult. Having a professional counselor present during this very hard conversation can encourage civilized and helpful communication. Similarly, pre-divorce counseling can help trapped emotions be expressed to each other, without resulting in a fight.

What Ifs

One of the most helpful benefits of pre-divorce therapy, is having a counselor walk the couple through the “What If’s” of their marriage. Regret is one of the most pressing consequences of going through a divorce. Though we cannot guarantee that you’ll have no regrets, we can at least walk through some of the most important things about the relationship that someone might wish they had done or said. This can help make couples feel more at peace with their decision through this very difficult time.

Kids

One of the most difficult things that a couple can go through is helping their kids through the divorce. Many questions that we hear at In Sight Counseling Connections include, “How do I talk to my kids about my divorce?” or “What are the best co-parenting strategies?” Pre-divorce counseling helps answer some of the most crucial questions of your kids’ lives post-divorce. Together, we help come up with a strategy to tell your children and help them understand what is happening. We can also come up with a parenting plan or go into co-parenting counseling. Whatever happens, we make sure that the children are put first. As emotional of a time that this is for you, it is exceptionally so for them.

The Goal of Pre-Divorce Counseling

Overall, the goal of pre-divorce counseling is to make a difficult process go as smoothly as possible for each party involved. Having counselor listening and intervening can improve communication, aid in decision making, and create civilized discussion. This ensures that everyone feels confident in their decision and is prepared for what comes next, including talking to your children about the divorce.

Want to Learn More About Pre-Divorce Counseling?

Divorce is an extremely difficult decision. At In Sight Counseling Connections, we can help you through it. Our primary specialty at our Denver office is divorce counseling so we understand the hardships that come with this heavy choice, and how to prepare couples best for what happens. If you’d like to set up a free consultation, contact us today.