Intense emotions are common during divorce, and it could take you a couple of years to truly heal from the trauma of a failed marriage. When you have children with your spouse, there will be even more emotional fallout from the dissolution of your marriage.

You and your spouse need to take care of yourselves so that you can also be there for the kids. Professional help can make this difficult time a little bit easier for your family. There are at least three kinds of therapy that could be beneficial for your family during a divorce.

Individual therapy for you

Anger, guilt, embarrassment and grief are all intense emotions commonly associated with divorce. If you don't actively address and process those feelings, they will inevitably affect your parenting and other aspects of your life. Seeing a counselor to sort through your feelings will give you an appropriate outlet and possibly also help you develop tools to handle your stress and negative feelings.

Co-parenting therapy for you and your ex

Trying to find a healthy way to communicate and relate to one another isn't easy after a divorce. Marriage counseling may not benefit you, because your romantic relationship is no longer salvageable. Co-parenting therapy has a different focus and can help the two of you develop a better relationship for the duration of your shared custody arrangements.

Individual or family therapy for your children

You aren't the only one who will need support processing the emotions that come from a divorce. Your children will likely also feel angry, hurt or guilty. A therapist can give your children a safe space to explore and talk about their feelings without involving you, your ex or their siblings in the process. Family therapy can also give children a chance to express their emotions in a healthy way.

When you will share custody of your children after a divorce, focusing on the mental health needs of yourself and your kids can help reduce how hard it is for everyone.