Divorce and Separation

The process of Divorce or Separation is usually extremely traumatic and distressing for either one or both partners involved. A sense of stability, certainty and control over one's life seems to have disappeared. It is a time of losses, grieving and major changes.

One is faced with having to make arrangements and important decisions, while still being overwhelmed with an array of emotions such as sadness, depression, anger, hate, disgust and disbelieve. Especially when children are involved the process can become even more difficult and maintaining a civil relationship with one's partner may be crucial.

Some examples of emotions that get reported at various stages of separation are:

• Sadness
• Paralyzed/stunned/numbness
• Self blame/guilt
• Anger
• Powerless/helpless
• Nervous/Stress
• Worried/concerned
• Depression
• Hatred
• Disgust
• Disbelieve
• Resentful
• Bitterness
• Lonely

The intensity of these types of feelings depends on whether the person is the initiator of the separation, whether one still has unrealistic hopes of reconciliation, whether one feels betrayed and whether there is a lack of support. The good news is that these feelings, with time, will get better and many go on living happy and blessed lives.