Divorce Counseling, Treatment and Help in Lehigh Valley (Bethlehem, PA)
That is why Thriveworks Bethlehem offers divorce recovery therapy and counseling. We know that divorce means the end of a marriage—not the end of a fulfilling, happy life. On the other side of pain and loss, new adventures and healthy relationships often are waiting.
Why Do Couples Split?
The surface circumstances of why couples split is infinite—adultery, financial irresponsibility, emotional affairs, workaholism, alcoholism, parenting differences, neglect, health challenges, in-law tensions, and on, and on. But underneath the surface of these particular scenarios, Dr. Gottman found at least one of four factors at play that undermined the marriage. He called these, “the four horsemen of the apocalypse,” and one or all four are almost always present when a couple divorces:
- Contempt: Disrespect by one or both partners.
- Defensiveness: Refusing to accept responsibility for one’s own attitudes and actions.
- Criticism: Negativity, nit-picking, and judgments.
- Stonewalling: Minimizing, avoiding, or denying problems.
Some couples overcome adultery while others end their marriage. Some couples work through financial stress while others split. What’s the difference? Usually one or more of the four horsemen. In most cases, it is not the problem itself that harms the relationship, it is the underlying disrespect, defensiveness, negativity, and/or stonewalling. These are truly toxic behaviors.
More likely than not, one or more of the four horsemen was present within your former marriage. When people come out of a toxic relationship with toxic behaviors, they often have wounds that need healing. Divorce recovery is an intentional time during and after a marriage ends to find healing for those wounds.
Divorce Recovery: Finding Healing and Hope
Divorce recovery has two main goals: Looking back to heal past wounds from the marriage. Looking forward to a new, bright future.
Achieving these goals will look differently for each person. Many factors influence a person’s journey toward healing after their marriage ends, such as,
- Whether children are involved.
- If the divorce surprised one or both partners.
- Whether the partners have formed new, romantic relationships.
- The circumstances that led to the divorce.
- The status of finances.
- How long the relationship had lasted.
- Each partner’s personality, physical health, age, and mental health.
Practically, divorce brings many new realities to face, and a skilled counselor can help people think through important decisions regarding custody of their children, navigating extended family and in-laws, legal battles, housing circumstances, and changed friendships.
Emotionally, people may need help processing their grief. The key is to allow oneself to feel anything that may arise. A counselor often provides support during the grief cycle. Before landing on acceptance, people often feel guilt, fear, loneliness, anger, anxiety, confusion, and possibly even depression.
There is no easy road to recovery after a divorce. Missteps are normal. It is okay to fall down and get back up again. It is also okay to ask for help.
Divorce Recovery at Thriveworks Bethlehem
Anyone who has recently finalized a divorce or is in the process knows how difficult the road is to recover a normal, vibrant life. Anyone who has come through the challenges of divorce recovery knows how building a new life is worth the effort.
Thriveworks Bethlehem offers counseling for divorce recovery because no one has to grieve their losses and rebuild their future alone. Our therapists and psychologists understand the pitfalls of divorce recovery, and have helped many people overcome those pitfalls.
Are you ready to speak with a counselor about your divorce? When you call Thriveworks Bethlehem, a scheduling specialist will answer and help you schedule an appointment. There is no voicemail and no automated directory—just real people helping real people. We also offer weekend and evening sessions and accept many insurance plans.
Has divorce spun your world around? Call Thriveworks Bethlehem today.
