How to know if a separating or divorcing couple needs counselling or not?

Many of us have either experience the painful ordeal of separation ourselves or we have witnessed it amongst our loved ones. Be it be the separation before marriage or divorce, the unfortunate incidence brings us unbearable emotional sufferings in the form of pain, anger, confusion and betrayal. These sufferings generally surface in the form of depression and anxiety – and generally we believe it will get cure with time.

But Psychologist Shivani Misri Sadhoo (Relationship Counsellor based in Delhi), suggests that intense grief can alter a person’s trust, optimism, even behaviour that may impact their future lives. Hence, if the person feels that he or she is finding it difficult to move on after separation or divorce, he/she should take professional help.

Relationship counsellors are trained psychologists who can help people who are separating and/or divorcing, to deal with their grief and anger and help them to let go, so that they can move on with a new sense of purpose and optimism. This includes looking at:

•         How to bear and manage grief

•         How to manage anger

•         How to achieve acceptance.

•         Discover a pathway for the separation

•         Learning to be "single"

•         Becoming able to face the prospect of a new and sustaining relationship.