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Intervention Paper on Divorce
Introduction
Divorce is one widespread social problem today, with its rates reported to be immensely
intensifying in both developed and developing countries. This concern has attracted significant
research, imploring researchers to demystify the effects it extends to individuals, families, and
the larger community. Mekonnen et al. (2019), for instance, explore divorce rates in Ethiopia,
indicating an increase of 25.72% from 2013 to 2016 in Bahir Dar City. Similarly, Sheykhi’s
2020 broader study explains that divorce rates have increased from 12 percent in 1960 to 44
percent in 2017 (Sheykhi, 2020). Perfect examples include Russia and the U.S., which report 4.7
and 2.5 divorces per 1,000 people, respectively.
High rates of divorce can be attributed to broad psychological, social, and economic
issues. According to Sheykhi (2020), changes in the social sphere, shifting gender roles, and
education have contributed to this phenomenon, notwithstanding even conservative societies.
Mekonnen et al. (2019), on the other hand, highlight sexual incompatibility, a lack of trust, poor
communication, and family interference as elemental causes. Affected children also suffer
emotional abuse and are predisposed to difficult school experiences, and the chances of divorce
in their marriages are high (Garriga & Pennoni, 2022). A common issue is also stigma and
economic vulnerability among divorced women in developing nations. The authors underscore
marriage counseling programs, conflict management training, and family support therapies as
vital remedies for the adversity caused by divorce.
Interventions
Resourceful therapeutic practices that help to identify and address divorce complexities
through client empowerment include:
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Behavioral couples therapy (BCT), individual therapy, support groups, and family therapy
One of the most widely used approaches to addressing divorce issues is behavioral
couples therapy (BCT). This approach entails collaborative behavior therapy involving the
partner and the individual searching for help, especially for drug-induced complications (Metz et
al., 2021). The process aids the partners in supporting restraint on drugs and improving
relationships. For people undertaking individual therapy, a free space that allows them to
acknowledge and contemplate the behaviors underpinning divorce helps them make positive
progress. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) assists clients in changing negative thoughts and
beliefs and acquiring new constructive ways of thinking. Besides, emotion-focused therapy
(EFT) helps clients transform emotions like grief and anger, resulting in emotional change (Metz
et al., 2021).
Support groups allow participants to share with others who are going through a similar
ordeal or having similar problems. Divorce support groups entail advocacy, encouragement,
consolation, and guidance from others in a similar situation (Metz et al., 2021). Besides, online
support communities provide accessible forums, chat rooms, and meetings for individuals who
cannot attend face-to-face groups. It is particularly crucial to involve family therapy in cases
where marriage breakdowns have a rippling impact across all family members. Counseling
parents going through a divorce empowers them to learn how to engage in healthy
communication, reduce conflict levels, and focus on the best interests of their children (Metz et
al., 2021). On the other hand, child-centered play therapy allows children to express themselves
freely and acquire constructive methods to deal with feelings associated with their parent's
divorce.
Psychoeducation, mindfulness, and building a social network
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Visser et al. (2020) note that increasing clients and their families' knowledge about the
emotional and psychological effects of divorce enables them to grasp normal responses and
phases of recovery in a divorce process. Practical approaches in this context include workshops
and seminars that offer invaluable insights into stress management, legal proceedings, and life
after divorce. Visser et al.’s work further recommends books and articles as informational
resources that give affected individuals essential post-divorce coaching. Mindfulness-based
approaches have also gained significant traction, guiding many individuals in therapy to live with
the stress-filled new normal after divorce and facilitating positive emotional responses.
Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) helps clients manage their attentiveness in the
present and avoid stressful situations (Visser et al., 2020). On the other hand, yoga and
meditation help lower stress levels, act as mood elevators, and help instill a feeling of calmness.
Clients must be supported in developing a firmer network of friends as part of their rehabilitation
phase. Emotional support from friends and families allows for stability and reinforcement. Some
of the facilities available in the communities include legal services, financial services, and
childcare services provided by community-based organizations and other community-based
centers (Visser et al., 2020). These interventions provide a holistic approach to addressing the
complications of divorce.
Future Planning and Goal Setting
With a focus on the future and realistic goals, there is bound to be hope for a better and
more positive change in divorce cases (Damota, 2020). Career development involves clients
identifying new careers and acquiring skills for better job marketability. These activities include
the exploration of hobbies and new social contacts, which facilitate the reconstruction of the
divorced individual's identity (Damota, 2020). Divorce is undoubtedly a complicated process that
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impacts people and their families significantly. Thus, integrating critical therapies such as single-
client therapy, group therapy, family therapy, educational sessions, mindfulness, client support,
and the creation of an improved future gives sufficient assistance to people who face divorce
(Schaan et al., 2019). These therapeutic practices assist in overcoming emotional pain, loss, and
trauma, appreciating a sense of hope for the future, and rebuilding one's life.
Critical Analysis and Biblical Application
Al-Shahrani & Hammad (2023) critically analyze the multifaceted issue of divorce. The
author notes that divorce is one of the most pervasive crises in the world today, with severe
consequences on an emotional, psychological, and social level. It affects not only the separated
couple affected by divorce but also the children and other family members. The authors note that
besides the actual separation, the marital conflict preceding it onsets immense psychological
issues. Some of the common effects include depression, financial issues, and shifts in family
roles (Al-Shahrani & Hammad, 2023). However, counseling processes like individual
counseling, counseling groups, financial avenues, and behavioral couples therapy (BCT) are
necessary for managing such aspects. Such interventions are geared towards meeting
psychosocial needs such as emotional and financial support, the management of healthy ways of
dealing with problems, and self-recovery.
The Holy Bible offers guidance on the sacredness of marriage and the significance of
empathy and absolution. In Malachi 2:16, God communicates His disdain for marriage
breakdowns, saying, "For I hate divorce, says the LORD, the God of Israel, and covering one's
garment with violence, says the LORD of hosts. So, take heed to yourselves and do not be
faithless." (The Holy Bible, 2002, Malachi 2:16) This verse highlights the magnitude of
separation and the aggravation it causes, underscoring the requirement for responsibility and
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faithfulness in marriage, which can help address divorce complications. Ephesians 4:32 also
provides significant insight into the essence of the spirit of kindness and forgiveness. The verse
states, "Be kind and compassionate to one another, forgiving each other, just as in Christ God has
forgiven you" (The Holy Bible, 2002, Ephesians 4:32). This verse can be applied in therapeutic
settings. Therapists, for instance, can help motivate people to forgive and be kind, which helps
them recover emotionally and have better relations after divorce. The approach has also proved
essential in such interventions, especially for clients who embrace Bible-based approaches
toward their recovery.
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References
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separation on children’s cognitive abilities and psychological well-being according to
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The Holy Bible. (2002). American Bible Society.
Visser, M., Van Lawick, J., Stith, S. M., & Spencer, C. (2020). Violence in families: systematic
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