Post-Divorce Life:
Understanding & Healing Grief
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Embarking on life post-divorce often brings unexpected emotional challenges, a journey that many find themselves unprepared for. This phase typically begins once the dust of legal battles has settled, and the reality of the divorce and its consequences sinks in. It’s a time when one might expect to feel a sense of relief or newfound freedom, but instead, a wave of sadness and grief often takes hold. This emotional response is a natural aspect of healing and moving forward in your post-divorce life.
The Post-Divorce Grief Process
Divorce is recognized as a major cause of grief, comparable to the loss of a loved one or a cherished pet. It often involves multiple losses – a partner, a friend, a home. According to the Holmes-Rahe Stress Scale, divorce ranks high among life’s most stressful events. Feeling overwhelmed or saddened by these changes is not a sign of weakness but a normal reaction to significant life changes.
Mourning the Loss of Dreams & Plans
Often, the grief experienced in divorce is not just about the loss of the relationship, but the shattering of dreams and plans made together. Recognizing this loss is crucial in the healing process, allowing one to eventually make way for new dreams and aspirations.
Letting Go of Past Love & Anger
Divorce often involves a mix of legal, financial, and emotional processes. While anger can be a necessary emotion to initiate separation, lingering on it can hinder healing. Acknowledging the love that once existed and accepting its end is a challenging but necessary step towards closure.
Rebuilding Friendships & Social Circles
Divorce can significantly alter one’s social circle. This period can be an opportunity to connect with people who align more closely with one’s current life phase. It’s a time to grieve lost relationships but also to embrace the potential for new connections.
Challenging Common Misconceptions
There are several misconceptions about post-divorce grief that can hinder the healing process. One such belief is that grief should subside within 6 to 12 months post-divorce. However, healing is not bound by a strict timeline. Another common fallacy is assuming that the person who initiated the divorce should feel happy and relieved, rather than experiencing grief. This overlooks the complexity of human emotions and the unique circumstances of each divorce.
Seeking Support & Embracing Happiness Post-Divorce
It’s important to seek and accept help during this grieving process. This support can come from various sources, including friends, therapy, or support groups. Happiness is still attainable after divorce.
Post-divorce life involves not only saying goodbye to a partner but also to one’s former self. It’s a time for self-reflection, understanding the depth of one’s loss, and cultivating self-respect. This process paves the way for creating new traditions, rituals, and a new sense of self.
In conclusion, navigating the emotional terrain of life after divorce requires patience, understanding, and support. By acknowledging and processing grief, one can gradually heal and open up to the possibilities of a renewed life, filled with new dreams and opportunities.
FAQ's about
Online Therapy at MInd by Design NJ
How do I get started as a new client?
Do you offer traditional talk therapy?
of course! though we have some unconventional therapy approaches, we are rooted in evidenced based practices. Talk therapy is a major player in the therapy room! See What we Treat and Integrative Services for more information
Does my insurance cover my visits?
Uur goal it to decrease stress and anxiety, so we understand that the financial commitment to therapy is something to consider! We provide OON billing for clients who decide to bill their insurance for services. A “Superbill” can be provided to you for potential reimbursement of services. To know if you have to OON benefits, you can call your insurance company and ask about the process of receiving these benefits.
Our Insurance Page shares a small blurb about Why We Left Insurance Panels
What is the difference between associate therapists & fully licensed therapists?
See our “Affordable Therapy” Page for info on licensing and costs of therapy.
LAC/LSW are therapists who may practice clinical work under the supervision of a fully licensed therapist.
LPC/LCSW are therapists who have completed the necessary clinical hours post-graduation under supervision and can practice clinical work independently.
What is your cancellation policy?
We ask that clients provide at least 24 hours notice in the event that they need to cancel to avoid the 50% cancellation fee. we understand that life happens and do our best to be flexible & reschedule.
What is Virtual Reality Therapy (VRT)?
VRT is an immersive tool that helps clients to explore environments that can not be traditionally explored in therapy. Visit our VR page for more info and to watch our infomercial
What is VRT used for?
we use VRT to support Exposure Therapy, a long standing traditional therapy modality to treat phobias, anxiety and stress. we send a headset directly to your home so you can access VRT from anywhere.
VRT not only helps with exposure therapy for phobias, but is great for ADHD, mindfulness, PTSD and social anxiety.
How does the process work?
- Fill out a consult request below or reach out to us directly.
- our phone number is 609-300-6481, call or text
- MBD will respond within 24 business hours
- You will get access to the patient portal to complete the intake paperwork
- Once the paperwork is submitted and reviewed we confirm your intake appointment
- Prior to your intake, you will receive a link to access the telehealth session.
Do You Offer Free or Reduced Therapy?
Yes! We offer a sliding scale as well as reduced fee therapy for clients working with out graduate interns. To learn more visit: Reduced Fee Therapy