Divorce is an experience that provokes intense emotions. For some people, it can be downright traumatic. Parents preparing for divorce often need support so that they can handle their own emotions while continuing to meet their children’s needs.
In some cases, they may recognize that their children also need outside support. The good news for parents preparing for divorce or dealing with its aftermath is that there are local community resources available to help both parents going through a divorce and children whose parents divorce.
The types of support listed below could make the difficult transition to new living arrangements less challenging for a family. What support services are available in the Pleasanton area?
Professional counseling services
There are several different types of counseling that could be beneficial for those navigating a divorce. Some people attend one-on-one therapy to process their grief or anger related to the failure of the marriage. Some parents attend family counseling sessions with their children to help provide their children with emotional support and discuss shifting family dynamics. The children may also benefit from one-on-one counseling if they have strong negative reactions to the divorce.
Finally, both parents might want to work with a co-parenting counselor. Co-parenting counseling can help parents address disputes, learn conflict resolution strategies and improve their dynamic as they work together to raise their children.
Support groups
Some licensed therapists and counselors have support groups for men or women going through divorce. Churches and community organizations may also host support groups. There are also groups that provide children and teenagers with a safe space in which to discuss their changing family circumstances. Parents trying to find a healthy outlet for their emotions may benefit from attending support groups or from helping their children join support groups where they can connect with peers going through similar struggles.
Social events
Churches, counseling service providers and sometimes even community centers offer meetup opportunities for divorced and divorcing parents, as well as their children. Such meetups give people an opportunity to socialize with those who have gone through similar experiences without necessarily needing to share intimate details.
Both counseling services and support groups can go a long way toward offsetting the emotional turmoil triggered by divorce proceedings. Reaching out to local service providers can help parents meet their own needs while ensuring that their children receive adequate support.
