Brethertons is cutting both the emotional and the financial cost of divorce, by providing an in-house counselling service. The sessions, offered free-of-charge to couples going through separation and divorce, are the brainchild of Linda Jones, a Brethertons partner, and head of family law at our Rugby office. ‘Lawyers see divorce as a legal problem,’ Linda says, ‘but for the individuals involved it’s a catastrophic emotional event. Yes, they want the legal side sorted, and the financial settlement they’re entitled to, but they’re also frightened and upset. They need support.
‘We provide a holistic approach, with bespoke counselling services ranging from individual sessions to eight-week courses. Where the issues impact on children, we encourage couples to put their differences aside and attend our workshops together.’ By talking through their issues with an impartial, trained counsellor, couples can avoid the need for litigation, thereby reducing their legal bills.
With our offices in Banbury, Bicester and London, we have a full-time in-house relationship therapist, who provide a range of services, including a course to help women get back on their feet after divorce. ‘My female clients have so much in common,’ Linda explains, ‘and it was frustrating that client confidentiality meant I couldn’t introduce them to each other. I hit upon the idea of a women-only counselling course, where group members could share their feelings and make friends.’
The result was New Beginnings: The Next Chapter, eight weekly sessions offering a combination of professional therapy and peer support. The course addresses the issues of isolation, guilt and grief often felt by women after the end of a marriage, culminating in a social evening organised by the members themselves. Linda believes this final task is one of the most important. ‘Some women have been married for thirty years when they join the group. It’s a seismic life shift for them, and learning to laugh again, and to go out with friends, is a big step forward.’
Angela was in her early forties, with a five-year-old child, when her eight-year marriage collapsed. Having contacted Brethertons for legal advice about the mechanics of divorce, she was surprised to be offered free counselling. ‘It turned an impersonal process into an incredibly personal service,’ she said, ‘going above and beyond what I would have expected from a firm of solicitors.’
Angela completed the New Beginnings course and found it invaluable. ‘It’s very liberating being able to talk to people without fear of being judged,’ she said, ‘and without wondering whether what you’re saying will be reported back to your ex-husband. The atmosphere was really supportive, and by the end of the course we had all become friends. We’ve met up several times since: it’s wonderful to see how everyone has moved on, and to hear everyone’s dating stories!’ Two years on, Angela still feels the after-effects of her divorce, but doesn’t regret her decision. ‘Divorce has given me my life back: I’m in the driving seat now, and looking forward to the future.’
Free counselling workshops and courses are available to all couples using Brethertons’ family law services.
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