Welcome
Research indicates that divorce is one of the most stressful life events an individual can experience and that the most detrimental factor for children whose parents are divorcing is a high level of conflict between parents. Yet, conflict is inherent to human nature. We experience internal as well as interpersonal conflict on a fairly regular basis. Conflict itself is not the problem. In fact, it is often a major impetus to development. The problem emerges in the degree, expression, denial or method of resolving conflict. By identifying it, expressing it appropriately and implementing constructive rather than destructive measures, one takes significant steps towards its successful management and resolution. Individuals who seek divorce management consultation or psychotherapy take an active role in addressing conflict and in determining the quality of their lives.
A particulary stressful aspect of divorce is the introduction of change in ways that may not be anticipated or welcome. However, conceptualizing the process as a transition from familiar features of family life to new patterns and traditions may help reduce some of the stress that change, even in a positive direction, inevitably generates. Individuals who seek divorce management consultation or psychotherapy are amendable to minimizing the animosity that prolonged, unresolved conflict can breed, to working collaboratively, to recognizing that some degree of compromise is acceptable, and to believing that mutually beneficial solutions are achievable.
Mary Louise Mesquita, PhD
