Surprisingly few couples seek out marriage counseling before filing for divorce. However, the vast majority of couples who do participate in counseling claim it was in some way beneficial to the relationship.
The hesitation? Many people believe marriage counseling is meant solely to repair a marriage. And, for many, they just don’t see the point, especially in instances of infidelity. In reality, an experienced counselor will advise a divorce when warranted. Counseling, then, works to make the divorce an easier, less stressful, and more productive process.
Communication Skills Improve
Throughout a relationship, grievances can build up while communication gradually breaks down. The ability, and patience, to understand a partner’s point of view is no longer where it once was, and compassion and empathy are harder to come by.
A marriage counselor enables a couple to build on those waning skills. By working on effective ways to communicate with each other, a couple will see each other’s perspectives more easily and show more understanding toward what the other partner is experiencing. As a result, divorce proceedings tend to be more amicable and, therefore, less stressful overall.
The Co-Parenting Relationship becomes more stable with Marriage Counseling
When the couple has children involved, counseling before divorce is that much more important. Often, children can get caught in the middle of toxic divorce proceedings, child custody battles, child support arguments, and maintaining schedules. However, when a couple works on communication in general in marriage counseling, communication as co-parents automatically improves.
No matter how amicable a relationship is at the start of divorce proceedings, raising children together is sure to bring up some contentious moments. Splitting holidays, attending events, and planning vacations all must be discussed with a co-parent. Marriage counselors focus on tools to help the couple make all of these decisions and have these conversations healthily and productively.
You Can Begin the Healing Process before the Divorce
Most partners enter divorce proceedings with some amount of hurt and pain. Feelings of betrayal, worthlessness, and bitterness are common, as well as misunderstandings, regret, and accusations. All of these emotions and experiences require some amount of healing to move forward.
A marriage counselor will help both partners process the pain they have experienced and equip them with the tools and resources the next stage of life requires. That way, they can enter divorce proceedings and all that follows with a healthier mindset.
Too often, the benefits of marriage counseling are overlooked when a relationship shows little hope of being salvaged. However, no matter the status of a marriage, counseling is an instrumental step in preparing a couple for divorce and helping both partners through a difficult process.
Contact a family law attorney based in Fort Mill SC for more information on whether or not your state makes counseling mandatory, and to find out more about how counseling can improve a divorce.
