Divorce Recovery in Lynchburg, VA—Therapy and Counseling
This was not the plan. When wedding bells were ringing, there was only “happily ever after.” Divorce was never a thought back then, but reality changes. If you are going through a divorce or have recently been through one, you know how ending a marriage brings new realities. There is personal recovery to face: the fear, anger, confusion, guilt, loneliness, anxiety, depression. There are practical realities to face: the kids, the extended families, the friends, the legal battles, the financial decisions, the living situations.
“Imagine spreading everything you care about on a blanket and then tossing the whole thing up in the air. The process of divorce is about loading that blanket, throwing it up, watching it all spin, and worrying what stuff will break when it lands.” —Amy Poehler, Yes Please
If you, like many others, are watching your world spin from a divorce, know that it is possible to land safely. Divorce is the end of a marriage, but it is not the end. When people work through the pain—recovery, life, joy, and love are possible again. Many people turn to therapy to guide that process. Trained counselors can often provide invaluable guidance when it is most needed.
That is why Thriveworks Lynchburg offers divorce recovery therapy: no one has to recover from the loss of a marriage alone.
What Leads to Divorce?
Psychologist John Gottman has studied divorce for decades, and he identifies “The Four Horsemen” of divorce prediction. Regardless of the particular circumstances—adultery, addiction, abuse, et cetera—the four horsemen are almost always present when a couple divorces.
- Criticism: When negative interactions outweigh positive interactions, the result is often divorce.
- Defensiveness: When either partner cannot take responsibility for their own actions, the couple can become stuck and decide to divorce.
- Stonewalling: Avoiding, minimizing, and denying problems mean they grow and can overwhelm a couple.
- Contempt: Lack of respect may be the number one reason couples end marriages.
These four indicators take a severe toll on both parties in a marriage, and coming out from a relationship where they were present usually means people need a time of recovery and healing.
What Is Divorce Recovery?
Almost always, divorce recovery involves grieving. Ending a marriage comes with loss—the relationship itself, but there are other costs. Often, people lose their home and their standard of living. Relationships with extended family may shift or be cut off. Same with friend groups. If a couple has children, then joint-parenting or single parenting comes with many changes.
When grieving, it is normal for people to go through shock, denial, sadness, anger, bargaining, guilt, and fear. They may even bounce back and forth quickly between these various emotions/stages of grief.
Another important aspect of divorce recovery divorce is understanding what happened. It takes courage, but sometimes, the path forward means taking a step back. When people understand what happened in their previous marriage, they are equipped with helpful information as they enter into new relationships. People can grow, change, and adjust instead of becoming stuck in the same pattern.
However, recovery is also a unique and personal process, and many factors can influence how a person heals after a divorce, including…
- How long the marriage lasted.
- If the divorce was a surprise.
- The reasons for the divorce.
- Whether children are involved.
- How interdependent a couple’s finances are.
- If new relationships have already formed.
- Personal factors such as personality, age, mental health, and physical health.
Divorce recovery is a challenging process, and there are many pitfalls along the way. In fact, missteps in the healing process are normal and can become opportunities for growth. It is okay to fall and get back up again. It is also ok to ask for help.
Many people begin counseling to guide their divorce recovery. Experienced counselors know the pitfalls that people face as they end a marriage, and they can guide people through the personal rollercoaster and the practical realities of ending a marriage relationship.
Divorce Recovery Therapy at Thriveworks Lynchburg
If you are going through a divorce or have recently been through a divorce, know that support is available. Thriveworks Lynchburg offers divorce recovery therapy, and our counselors understand the ups and downs of ending a marriage. We have helped many come through the grief and pain to find happiness and healing.
If you want to meet with a Thriveworks counselor, appointments are available. If you call our office, a person will answer your call and help you. We offer weekend and evening appointments, and many new clients see their counselor within 24 hours of their call. We also work with many insurance providers.
The journey of divorce recovery is full of ups and downs. Do not journey alone. Call Thriveworks Lynchburg today.
