Going through and healing from a divorce can be one of the most difficult events one can face in life. And while divorce is far from uncommon, many are caught off guard by the intensity and grief associated with this life change. When seeking counseling during this difficult time, individuals may be experiencing a vast array of emotions that often feel intense and conflictual. These emotions include feelings of sadness, depression, anxiety, anger, grief, failure, disappointment, relief and hope.
While grieving the loss of the relationship, many couples still need to find ways to co-exit and navigate their shared roles after the end of their marriage. Yet, this often feels overwhelming as individuals frequently feel exhausted and raw from the intensity of their ending relationship.
Our psychologists and counselors at Biltmore Psychology and Counseling have helped many couples and individuals work through the difficult aspects of a divorce and have helped them build a healthy relationship as co-parents, ex-lovers, or people who wish to honor the relationship of the past.
What to Expect During Divorce Counseling?
In our divorce counseling discussions, we will create a safe environment to process and heal from the divorce as well as plan for your life after the divorce. Our goal is to create a new foundation of safety, salvage the best parts of the past relationship, and find a way to transform the relationship into something new, functional, and healthy.
Some people divorce and never see their partner again. But for couples that continue to share outside responsibilities, the only healthy option is to find a way to stay connected without being hurt, triggered, and upset by their ex-partner.
Topics for Divorce Counseling include:
Co-parenting Strategies
Boundary Setting
Communication
Changes in Relationships with Friends & Family
Identity Changes
Financial Stressors
Teletherapy & Video Counseling Sessions Available
Biltmore Psychology and Counseling offers teletherapy sessions as a way to participate in counseling without needing to be physically present at our office.
Request A Free Consultation
Fill out the form below or call us at (480) 999-7070 for a free 10 minute consultation.
Divorce Counseling FAQ
What Is the Purpose of Divorce Counseling?
The purpose of divorce counseling is to help the couple overcome whatever hardship is getting in the way of them successfully sharing their remaining roles as co-parents, business partners, financial supporters, etc.
Unlike couples counseling, the goal is not to see if the marriage can be revived, but instead to help both partners communicate, team, and navigate the remaining roles that they share post-divorce.
What Are Signs You Need Divorce Counseling?
If a couple is frequently arguing or having communication difficulty around co-parenting, financial obligations, or other shared responsibilities, they may benefit from divorce counseling.
What to Expect During Divorce Counseling?
In the initial sessions of divorce counseling, a counselor will help the couple define their goals for counseling. The counselor’s role is not to take sides, but instead is to team with both parties in efforts to find a way to meet the needs of everyone involved.
What Is the Difference Between Pre- and Post-Divorce Counseling?
The goal of couples counseling is often to clarify the future of the relationship. Most couples hope to stay together and in couples counseling we seek to find the way to heal from the past for the purpose of reconciliation and preservation of the marriage.
However, once the couple has decided that they will divorce, pre and post divorce counseling is focused on how to dissolve the relationship with the greatest respect, care and compassion for the other person.
Should You Seek Counseling Before Divorce?
Yes. Since divorce can be one of the most painful and inflammatory times in a couple’s life, many benefit from having an experienced therapist help them navigate the emotional complexities that drive many into avoidable anger and hate.
Is Counseling Required Before Divorce?
Counseling is NOT required before divorce, but it is recommended. Some couples struggle to be in the same room as their ex-partner, decades after the ending of the relationship. This type of hostility is not inevitable and may be avoided with expert guidance.
Do Therapists Recommend Divorce?
No, it is not the therapist’s job to decide if the couple should stay together or divorce. The therapist’s job is to create a safe environment for the couple to explore their options and together decide on the best course for the marriage.
Will You Always See Us as a Couple, or Will You Ever See Us Individually?
No, the majority of the session will involve both individuals in the couple. Only on occasions will a couple be seen individually during divorce counseling.
Should Your Kids Attend Counseling During a Divorce?
Children may benefit from family counseling during a divorce as this may create a safe environment to express their feelings, fears, and concerns. However, the purpose of divorce counseling is often more narrowly focused on helping divorcing partners navigate the complexities of their new relationship.
Meet our Team
DR. MELISSA ESTAVILLO, PsyD
Doctorate and Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
Practice Areas: Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD / Trauma, Grief, Spiritual Integration, Medical Counseling
DR. AUDREY SESSIONS, PsyD
Psy.D. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.A. Clinical Psychology, Arizona School of Professional Psychology
M.S. Mental Health Counseling, Walden University
Practice Areas: Anxiety, Depression, Trauma, Emotional Regulation, LGBTQ+, Race-Based Stress, Military and Veteran-Related Issues, General Mental Health, Couples Counseling, Multicultural Diversity and Inclusion, Mindfulness
SUSAN SELF, LPC
M.S. Counseling and Human Services, University of Toledo
B.S. Psychology, Bowling Green State University
Practice Areas: Relationship / Marriage Counseling, Pre-marital Counseling, Parenting, General Counseling, Anxiety and Depression, Individual Therapy, Career Decisions, Caring for Aging Relatives, Life Changes, Work/Life Stressors
NICOLE ELLIOTT, LPC
M.C. Counseling, Arizona State University
B.A. English (Literature), Arizona State University
Practice Areas: Adjustment Disorders, Anxiety, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (Cbt), Depression, Disability Counseling, Existential Therapy, Faith-Based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Gerontological Counseling, Grief Counseling, Individual Counseling, Mindful Self-Compassion (Msc)
ELIZABETH FELIX, LPC
M.A. Human Resources and Substance Abuse, Ottawa University
M.A. Professional Counseling, Ottawa University
B.A. Psychology, Ottawa University
Practice Areas: Trauma, Anxiety, PTSD, Grief, Life Transitions, Women’s Focused Issues, LGBTQ+, Parenting, Depression, Couples Counseling, Family Counseling, Faith-based Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling
HEATHER WHEELER, LCSW
Masters in Social Work, Arizona State University
B.A. Psychology, Arizona State University
Specialties: Anxiety, CBT, Depression, Grief Counseling, Couples Counseling, LGBTQ+, Mindfulness, Family Counseling, General Mental Health Counseling, Women-Focused Issues/New Mothers Counseling, and ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy)
Our Location in Phoenix, AZ
We’re here for you.
Our divorce counselors apply professional expertise and understanding to provide the best holistic counseling services in Phoenix, AZ.
A 10-min consultation can help you determine whether our services would be the right fit for you. Call us today for a free phone consultation.
