Should you talk to a therapist about your divorce?

Divorce can be hard on you, your soon-to-be ex-spouse and your kids. Even if you have been through a divorce before, you may not be ready to cope with the psychological effects that often accompany the end of a marriage. These may include anger, sadness, depression or even post-traumatic stress disorder.

While there are many ways to manage the psychological toll a divorce may take on you, talking to a therapist may be effective. Still, you may have some uncertainty about how therapy may affect your divorce proceedings. ‘

Stability

Even though the end of your marriage may seem to consume all or most of your emotional energy at the moment, there is life after divorce. Unaddressed psychological issues, though, may stunt your recovery. When you meet with a qualified therapist, you develop tools to help you manage your emotions. This, in turn, may build a stable future for you.

Confidentiality

Licensed therapists typically must keep the interactions they have with clients confidential. Provided you do not admit to certain crimes or threaten harm to yourself or someone else, there is little chance your therapy sessions are likely to become public.

Admissibility

Judges in California tend to appreciate when individuals seek help for their mental health. Accordingly, in your divorce, your spouse is unlikely to gain an advantage by informing the court about your therapy sessions. Nevertheless, if you are facing a custody battle, the court may use your therapy record to evaluate your fitness to be a parent.

Determining whether to pursue therapy is a personal decision. Ultimately, however, if you need psychological help to cope with your divorce, finding the right therapist may make a great deal of sense.

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Have more questions about divorce? Check out our Divorce Q&A.