Path Towards Healing: Benefits of Divorce Counselling

Path Towards Healing: Benefits of Divorce Counselling

Just like marriage counselling is designed to assist couples through the rough spots in their marriage, divorce counselling offers the same kind of support, albeit after you have decided to file a divorce. Naturally, divorce is not a decision that is made lightly, and dealing with the various decisions associated with the process can be emotionally draining.

 

During such situations, it may be helpful to have the support of an experienced divorce counsellor throughout such situations. Their guidance can often ease the stress of an impending divorce and provide insight into whether a divorce is a right decision. Let us share with you insights into divorce counselling and how it may benefit you.

 

What is divorce counselling?

 

Divorce counselling is not just about learning to cope during and after a divorce. As part of these sessions, you will also get guidance on how to make preparations and decisions in the best interest of your children if you have considered to end your marriage.

 

If you and your spouse have reached a point in your marriage where both parties struggle to resolve issues, or if the decision for divorce has been made, divorce counselling can help.

 

These sessions provide a safe environment for both parties to discuss their challenges and feelings, leading to a better understanding of themselves and their relationship. If you and your partner are honest with each other during these sessions, you might even discover areas that can potentially save the marriage.

 

What to expect from our divorce counselling sessions?

 

Muslim couples in Singapore seeking a divorce are required to attend and complete the Marriage Counselling Programme (MCP) as mandated by Section 46A of the Administration of Muslim Law Act. Only when the reconciliation is unsuccessful, our counsellors will help to facilitate an amicable divorce; one in which both parties work together to reach a favourable outcome.

 

While this practice does not apply to couples of other faiths, we still recommend those seeking a divorce to consider family counselling first. If either party finds that the relationship can be mended, it is better to attempt at resolving differences.

 

Otherwise, it may be a wise step to consult a divorce counsellor. When unresolved issues are discussed with your spouse in a rightful manner, you will gain a greater understanding of each other’s perspectives and points of view. This step offers closure and provides the chance to learn from the experience, giving you a positive foundation to start the next chapter.

 

At PPIS As-Salaam, our divorce counsellors are equipped with specialised knowledge and skills in handling divorce issues and providing divorce counselling services. Our counsellors hold regular therapy sessions with spouses to assess their situations and properly understand their reasons for divorce.

 

During these sessions, our divorce counsellors will provide advice and strategies to facilitate the best divorce outcome possible. Additionally, they will assist in supporting couples through the process. This includes helping them navigate the logistics of divorce and providing advice on how to start afresh in their individual lives.

 

Learn More: How To Let Your Children Know You’re Getting A Divorce

 

Benefits of attending our divorce counselling sessions

 

There are many potential benefits to divorce counselling. It provides couples with constructive insights to better manage their unpleasant feelings and effective techniques to resolve and de-escalate conflicts.

 

Benefit #1: Ensure both parties are heard

 

Going through a divorce can manifest unpleasant emotions within an individual. They can feel like the world is against them. Without proper support, these feelings can fester and affect one’s mental well-being. Our counsellor can serve as a sounding board, providing an outside perspective to ensure that both sides of the issue are heard. This way, neither party feels as if their feelings and opinions are undermined.

 

Benefit #2: Reflect on the marriage

 

Divorce counselling can help couples heal from the divorce experience. Part of the healing process involves reflecting on past experiences together and figuring out what could be done differently. Furthermore, our divorce counsellors can help couples understand that life goes on after a divorce.

 

Both parties can also benefit from tips on how to cope with the changes that come with divorce. Reflecting on this experience can help to improve their newly-formed relationships.

 

Benefit #3: Explore positive reconciliation techniques

 

A divorce does not only involve both individuals. Both spouses, their social ecosystem, and their children are impacted by this decision. Our divorce counsellors can help couples understand that a divorce is not a battle but a negotiation to work through. This involves removing any anger barrier and replacing them with cooperation to minimise the impact and ensure the split is amicable.

 

However, during the discussion, it is not uncommon for emotions to get the better of either party, especially when sensitive matters are discussed. Our divorce counsellors are well aware of this. As such, part of the session involves exploring positive reconciliation techniques to help couples better manage their unpleasant feelings.

 

Our counsellors may recommend couples first to feel their emotions and what they are feeling. They will then be guided to learn to detach from their emotions when needed. Emotions can sometimes crowd the mind and impact thoughts. When there is space between one and their emotion, it is easier for couples to move forward and become more open to ways of reconciliation. 

 

Alternatively, our counsellors may recommend couples to give themselves the time and space to process their emotions. In the heat of the moment, it is often a good idea to excuse oneself for a moment and return to the conversation when ready. This will be facilitated by our counsellors to ensure that important discussions are in place.

 

How to heal from a divorce

 

Healing from divorce takes time. Similarly to any loss, there will be a period of adjustment to the new normal. While these scars are painful reminders of the past, rest assured that you can learn to live with them. It is our scars that remind us that we are greater than the challenges and that our struggles do not define us. Here are a few tips to help you on your healing journey after a divorce.

 

Tip #1: It is okay to seek help

 

A strong support system is crucial to maintain a holistic well-being. It also allows us to cope better with the challenges and hurdles of life. Studies have shown that a robust social support system can reduce stress, depression, and anxiety.

 

You do not have to process everything alone. Consider speaking to your friends and relatives to discuss how you feel after the divorce. If you require professional advice, you can consider divorce counselling. Our counsellors can help you process your emotions gathered from unpleasant experiences.

 

Tip #2: Focus on what is meaningful

 

Divorce can be highly emotional and stressful, and it is easy to let these unpleasant emotions overwhelm you. However, such behaviours can impact your mental health and overall quality of life. As such, it is important to devote time for self-care and find things which are meaningful in your life to focus on.

 

Practising self-care can help minimise stress and anxiety and provide you with a sense of control during this emotionally-charged time, enhancing your mental and emotional well-being. So take the time to explore your passion, and do not hesitate to experiment and try new things – whether it is painting or reading a book. No matter what, remember to focus on the joys of life.

 

Tip #3: Practise and prioritise self-care

 

Healing takes time. Remember, it is meant to be a purposeful process. Therefore, it is important to use the time to patiently connect back with yourself internally and externally. During this period, it is vital to be patient and take care of yourself. This includes eating healthily, participating in regular exercises, making sleep a priority, and aiming to foster and surround yourself in a positive environment.

 

Tip #4: Be kind to yourself

 

You may find that you struggle to be at your best after the divorce. Let us reassure you that it is normal to feel this way. After all, no one is immune to these experiences. You may even feel guilty about the divorce, but this is a reminder that you don’t have to. Learn to forgive and be kind to yourself, for it will feel as if a heavy weight has been lifted off your shoulders.

 

At PPIS As-Salaam, we offer an empathetic helping hand through our divorce counselling and divorce-related programmes, such as Parenting PACT and Children in Between (CiB). Through these programmes, we provide support for divorcing parents and single-parent families to move on and cope with the challenges of rebuilding their families. This is done through family therapy, divorce counselling, and community support. Experience the care and support As-Salaam can offer by contacting us today or visiting us at https://ppis.sg/as-salaam/!