If you are or have ever been married, think back to your wedding day. Picture the moment right before the ceremony began. Whether you were waiting at the alter or getting ready to walk down the aisle, you probably were not thinking, “I am not in this for the long haul.  I am just gonna give it a shot and see what happens.”

When most people get married they believe it will be forever. That is why getting a divorce is one of the biggest life stressors. Divorce is a stressor that causes all kinds of other stressors. Some of these include mental or emotional stress, financial stress, custody battles, the stress of moving and/or relocating, physical danger (if a partner is leaving a physically abusive spouse), occupational stress (i.e., having to start working or take on an additional job for financial reasons), as well as many other stressors.

There is also the stress that flows from grief. Getting a divorce is akin to going through the grieving process. No matter the cause of the divorce, partners will have to accept that the relationship as they knew it is over. Divorcees may feel denial, anger, depression and many other emotions. They will have to let go of dreams they had for the future that involved their spouse.  And in many ways, they will have to let go of the past.

Divorce is a difficult process that can conjure up all sorts of emotions. If you are in the process of getting a divorce or are already divorced, a trained mental health counselor can provide emotional support and teach you ways to better manage your negative feelings. If you are not yet divorced, marriage therapy may assist you in learning new ways to communicate, to reduce conflict and to set goals for your marriage.  To make an appointment please call Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862.