It's no secret that going through a breakup can be painful, confusing, scary, and depressing. While experiencing these feelings is entirely normal, they can still be lonely and difficult to endure.

At Boreal Therapy Collective, we offer support and guidance for all kinds of life transitions, including breakups and divorces. We understand how the end of a relationship can affect self-esteem and also bring new stressors and uncertainties.

We are here to help you navigate this vulnerable time. Here are some reasons why you may benefit from working with a therapist after a painful breakup.

You Need to Process Your Emotions

A difficult breakup often coincides with unresolved feelings both toward your ex and toward relationships, yourself, and even past relationship issues. These emotions can be tender and vulnerable, and it may be challenging to talk about them out loud.

That said, unpacking these difficult emotions is often an important part of the healing process. It's important to identify how you feel and learn how to accept and regulate your emotional states (even when they feel uncomfortable). This can help you heal from the relationship and move forward.

Your Mental Health Is Suffering

Breakups can exacerbate mental health issues like anxiety, depression, posttraumatic stress, and low self-esteem. It's typical to experience some adjustment issues after the relationship ends, but if they continue to persist, your mental health can become quite strained.

Therapy can provide you with a better roadmap for self-care and self-compassion. Your therapist will collaborate with you to discuss effective strategies for managing triggering situations and coping with stress as it arises.

You Need to Consider Co-Parenting

If you and your ex-partner have children together, you know that the relationship doesn't end because the romance ends. You will stay connected through your children, and likely through friends and family members. Co-parenting comes with its own struggles, especially if you two had a bad breakup.

Some people find that it's helpful to work through these relationship problems with a couples therapist. On the individual level, a therapist can provide you with support as navigate obstacles like custody issues, resentment toward your ex, uncertainty about the future, changing family dynamics, and your children's well-being.

You're Struggling With Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms

Some people try to cope with painful emotions by escaping or self-medicating them. Have you noticed that you're drinking alcohol or using drugs problematically? Are you compulsively shopping or spending too much time scrolling through social media? Have you been trying to distract yourself by working as much as possible?

It's perfectly reasonable to want to avoid negative emotions, but patterns of unhealthy coping behaviours often only perpetuate more pain. Over time, it can also lead you to feel like you lack self-control. Therapy can help you better understand your triggers and discuss adaptive ways to practice distress tolerance.

You're Struggling With Your Self-Esteem

Some people find that it's hard to tap into their positive qualities after a breakup. You just might not be feeling very good about yourself right now.

This can be especially true if you're recovering from a dysfunctional or abusive relationship. The dynamic you shared with your ex-partner may have eroded parts of your self-esteem, leaving you feeling insecure or unworthy. However, these feelings can leave you feeling stuck, and you may not be sure how to move past them.

Therapy can help you identify the origin of your negative thoughts, and it can also help reduce self-blame. If you have a cynical inner critic, therapy can also help you challenge that voice and practice more self-love.

You Want to Enter Another Romantic Relationship

Getting ready to start dating often feels both exciting and nerve-wracking. While there's no right time to get back out there, it's a good idea to consider your intentions. Are you looking for a committed, healthy relationship? Do you want to just date and see what's out there?

While you don't necessarily have to have specific answers, many people find it helpful to explore their goals. A therapist provides a supportive but neutral perspective in building more self-awareness.

Therapy can also provide support as you navigate the dating process. You might find that you're recreating patterns in your old relationships. Or, you may find that it's difficult to set boundaries with others. Regardless of the specific obstacles, therapy provides guidance and specific skills to help you feel more empowered in your relationships.

Breakup Therapy in Fort McMurray

Maybe you've been thinking about talking to a mental health professional for a while. Seeking therapy is brave, and we're here to support you.

We want to remind you that it's okay if you don't feel fine after a short or long-term relationship ends. We're also here to tell you that you don't deserve to suffer alone.

A therapist can be an invaluable source of support during your healing process. Our therapists specialize in all types of life transitions, and we're here to help you work through your emotional pain. There can be a significant grieving process associated with ending a relationship, but breakups can also be a time of influential personal growth. We would be honoured to help you instill a sense of self-confidence and meaning in moving forward.

If you’re ready to start therapy with us, you can book your initial assessment here.