Coping With Separation and Divorce: The Role of Therapy

Divorce is hard, it doesn’t matter if you’re the one leaving or you’re the one who was left. So it’s important to know that there is help available to navigate through it outside of just legal support.

As someone who has personally gone through the process and also supports others navigating it, I have a special appreciation for how therapy can make a difference during this time.

Here’s what I see therapy offering during separation:

• A place to untangle the mixed feelings and inner conflict.

• Support to protect yourself emotionally when everything feels tense or raw.

• Guidance on how to talk without arguments spiralling out of control.

• Space to find compassion for yourself, and the courage to face what’s ahead.

• A way to stop slipping into things that numb the pain but don’t actually help.

• Relief from the weight of cultural or family “shoulds” that keep you stuck.

• Help to step into co-parenting with clearer boundaries and more confidence.

• Strength to face the uncertainty of the legal process without feeling so helpless.

• A chance to start building the life you want on the other side of this.

I feel that many will eventually find themselves and cope the way that works for them. However, separation and divorce is scary, uncertain and layered with cultural and legacy burdens and connotations which make us feel at blame, inadequate and defective. Fortunately, It doesn’t have to be walked alone. There are people who have travelled this path before, people who can walk it with you. You will make it through to the other side and it is possible to have choice and courage.