The Role of Therapy During Divorce
Divorce is more than a legal process; it's an emotional
transition that reshapes families. While courts focus on dividing assets and
determining custody, the mental and emotional well-being of parents and
children often drives the real success of any parenting plan. Therapy can help
families move through divorce with greater resilience. It's not just about
"getting through" the process; it's about setting families up for healthier
futures.
Divorce carries a level of change that can feel
overwhelming. Children may struggle to understand shifting routines, while
parents are often balancing financial pressures of a single income, new living
arrangements, and co-parenting challenges. Therapy can provide a stabilizing
force at every stage.
Individual therapy allows parents and children to process
difficult emotions such as grief, anger, fear, or uncertainty, in a private and
supportive environment. For children especially, therapy can help them make
sense of what's happening without feeling caught in the middle. Children may
participate in traditional talk therapy (cognitive behavioral therapy) or may
be better suited for play therapy such as Parent Child Interaction Therapy-
helping parents and children with behavioral adjustments that may arise, or
Filial therapy- helping children process their new daily routine.
Family therapy can be equally important. These sessions may
focus on rebuilding communication, setting healthy boundaries, reducing
conflict and learning a new normal. While Georgia courts require a co-parenting
class for parents going through a divorce, this class differs from family
therapy sessions which are more focused on the relationship patterns unfolding
within the family.
Integrating Therapy into Custody Planning
Under Georgia law, custody decisions must always reflect the
best interests of the child (O.C.G.A. §19-9-3). One of the most effective ways
to support a child's emotional needs is to intentionally build therapy into the
parenting plan.
A well-drafted plan can address important details like:
·
Who chooses the therapist
·
How sessions are scheduled and coordinated
·
Which parent attends session
·
How costs are shared
·
Whether parents have access to therapy records
Including these terms directly in your parenting plan can
reduce future disputes and ensure that your child's mental health remains the priority.
In some cases, parents may elect to participate in therapy
themselves, either together in family sessions or individually. This proactive
approach can demonstrate to the court a genuine commitment to supporting your
child and family healing.
How Therapy Can Influence Court Decisions
Therapy may also intersect directly with custody litigation
in meaningful ways. If a child is experiencing significant emotional or
behavioral challenges, the court may order a therapeutic assessment to better
understand your child's needs. Assessments are not therapy but often create a
treatment plan for the child and family that may include therapy sessions.
Licensed therapists may provide recommendations to the court
regarding family arrangements that best support a child's well-being or
expressed interest. While these recommendations do not decide custody, they carry
significant weight in the court's decision-making.
In cases involving safety concerns, Georgia courts may
require therapeutic supervised visitation. These sessions allow a parent and
child to rebuild trust under the guidance of a trained professional, especially
when past issues such as substance abuse, domestic violence or long absences
have strained their relationship.
Ethical Boundaries in Therapy During Divorce
Parents are often surprised to learn that therapists follow
strict ethical rules, particularly when legal matters are involved. All therapy
licensure associations emphasize confidentiality, informed consent, and
neutrality when working with families.
For example, a therapist may ask to see a copy of the
divorce decree before scheduling a child to ensure the parent has the authority
to schedule medical appointments. Additionally, therapists may offer general
progress summaries and withhold session notes, particularly if the other parent
was attending that session. Understanding these boundaries help preserve
therapy as a safe space for everyone to speak openly without fear their words
will be later used against them.
Building a Healthier Future
Divorce can feel like an ending, but it's also an
opportunity to reshape your family's future with intention and care.
Integrating therapy into your parenting plan can make the process less
adversarial and more collaborative. It allows families to focus on healing
rather than fighting, setting the stage for healthier relationships long after
the divorce is finalized.
At Meriwether & Tharp, we understand that a strong
parenting plan rests on a strong emotional foundation. Our team works with
parents to craft solutions that protect both your legal rights and your
family's well-being. If you'd like to discuss how therapy can be integrated
into your custody plan or divorce process, we're here to help.