Abstract
Research concerning high conflict divorce shows significant detrimental effects on the couple divorcing and the children of the marriage. Significant research has focused on the effects of high conflict divorce to the children of the divorcing couple while other research has documented negative effects on the couple including an inhibition of the ability to adjust to life after the separation. While the effects of high conflict divorce have been thoroughly documented, studies on interventions that counselors can use to help with high conflict divorce are much less complete. While some interventions have been discussed, few have been empirically studied as to their effectiveness. Currently, different schools of therapy which have documented success in issues similar to high conflict divorce have been theoretically adapted and proposed as possible interventions. Variations of family systems therapy and integrative family therapy have been advocated for divorce therapy. Alterations of cognitive behavioral therapy have also been proposed as potentially helpful to couples going through a high conflict divorce. Some psychoeducation interventions have had preliminary empirical testing with some early optimistic results. Research should continue to conclusively identify effective therapeutic interventions for divorce therapy. While marriage and family therapy has been established to help couples improve skills needed in a marriage, current research would behoove the modern counselor to consider divorce therapy to help divorcing couples avoid the documented pitfalls of high conflict divorce.
Date of Award
Fall 12-11-2023
Document Type
Capstone Paper
Degree Name
Masters of Science in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
Department
Counselor Education
First Advisor
Anquinetta V. Calhoun
Location
Winona
Recommended Citation
Ferriss, Gregory S., "Divorce and Family Therapy: The Negative Effects of High Conflict Divorce and the Most Effective Interventions for Counselors" (2023). Counselor Education Capstones. 188.
https://openriver.winona.edu/counseloreducationcapstones/188
