Houston Family Law & Divorce Attorneys

Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
Call Today! 713.936.2300
  • Home
  • Firm Overview
  • Attorneys
  • Divorce
  • Family Law
  • Estate Planning
  • Blog
  • Contact Us
  • Call Today
  • Email Us
  • Our Map
  • Menu
Blog 2019 July How Therapy Can Help Children Cope with Divorce
Previous Post  |  Next Post

How Therapy Can Help Children Cope with Divorce

Posted By Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny || 3-Jul-2019

Divorce is an emotionally challenging experience for spouses and it is even more difficult for children to cope with. Children are often unable to understand why their parents are separating and might even be plagued with feelings of guilt, believing they could be to blame for the end of their parents’ marriage. Of course, not all children process divorce identically. Some might not react at all while others will develop behavioral problems and act out. Regardless of how your children feel about this news, therapy can help them develop healthier coping mechanisms, so they can continue to grow and thrive, despite the changes your family is enduring.

How Do You Know if Your Child Needs Therapy?

If you are not entirely sure if your child would actually benefit from therapy, there are some signs you should look for that will help you assess their need for it.

Here are some of the clues that indicate your child can greatly benefit from therapy:

  • Difficulty sleeping
  • Loss of appetite
  • Constant feelings of anger, depression, or anxiety
  • Problems concentrating on homework
  • Behavioral issues
  • Family members and close friends expressed concern for your children

Moreover, if the aforementioned symptoms interfere with your children’s daily activities or continue for several weeks, it is cause for concern and a sign that therapy would be helpful.

What Are the Benefits of Therapy?

Children tend to have a difficult time processing the effects of a divorce, manifesting their anxiety and frustration in a variety of ways. Some children become withdrawn and lethargic while others are more vocal about their anger and disappointment. Therapy will provide a way for your children to cope with the effects of divorce in a healthier manner. In therapy, your child can feel at liberty to voice concerns and thoughts that he or she might not feel comfortable discussing with you or your spouse. As such, it is important for both parents to respect the privacy of their child’s therapy sessions. If your child chooses to come to you to discuss these sessions, you can engage them in conversation. Otherwise, it is best not to bombard your child with questions.

In most cases, divorce therapy for children involves Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). CBT is a type of treatment that seeks to modify a patient’s reactions by influencing his or her emotions with positivity, allowing a child to feel better about the things that cannot be changed.

What You Can Do

As a parent, there are some things you can also do to help your children cope with divorce. Reassure them that although you and your spouse will no longer be a couple, you are both still their parents and will always love them. Try to maintain consistency and create new rituals in place of those that can no longer be maintained to help them feel safe and secure. Divorce is a difficult experience for anyone to endure, but you will be able to overcome it together.

Schedule a Consultation with a Divorce Attorney Today!

At the Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny, our divorce attorneys are committed to helping clients navigate the divorce process and ensuring their interests are protected. You should not have to go through this on your own.

Contact our law office at (713) 936-2300 to request a case review with a member of our team.

Categories: Divorce, Child Custody

Share Post

Divorce

How Can We Help You?

  • Child Custody
  • Child Support
  • Contested Divorce
  • Collaborative Divorce
  • Divorce Mediation
  • High-Net Worth Divorce
  • Property Division
  • Spousal Maintenance
  • Uncontested Divorce
  • Visitation

Contact The Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny

Put More Than Three Decades Of Experience To Work For You

Send My Information
  • Home
  • Site Map
  • Privacy Policy
  • Contact Us
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny - Houston Family Law Attorney
14701 St. Mary's Lane, Suite 315, Houston, TX 77079 View Map
Main (713) 936-2300
Website: https://www.marteenylaw.com
© 2021 All Rights Reserved.
Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny Law Office of Kathryn Marteeny @MartyeenyLaw
map of location
Internet Marketing Experts