Divorce counseling in Portland

Whether you're still deciding, in the middle of separating or rebuilding afterward, you deserve a steady place to think clearly and take care of yourself, and your kids, through one of life's hardest changes. I'm Paul Walsh, LMFT, and I offer individual divorce counseling for adults at Quiet Light Counseling in Johns Landing, Portland, and online across Oregon, Washington and California.

Book a free 15-minute call

In-network: Regence · Aetna · Moda · First Choice Health

When everything changes at once

Divorce changes almost everything at once: where you live, how your days run, how you see yourself, and how you parent. Even when it's the right decision, it can leave you exhausted, second-guessing, angry or strangely flat. Friends take sides or go quiet. The future you planned is suddenly gone.

You don't have to have it figured out to start. You just have to be ready to stop carrying it alone.

How divorce counseling helps

Our work is for you, at whatever stage you're in. We might sort through whether to stay or go, steady you through the legal and logistical grind, work on co-parenting stress, or grieve what ended so you can build what's next. As a marriage and family therapist and a dad, I pay close attention to how all of this lands on your family, and I'll help you stay steady for your kids while you're struggling.

Common questions about divorce counseling

Do you see couples for divorce counseling?

My divorce counseling is individual. It's for you, whatever stage you're in. If you and your spouse want to work on the relationship together, I'm happy to suggest colleagues.

Can I come to therapy if I haven't decided whether to divorce?

Yes. Many people come in while they're still deciding. Therapy won't push you either way. It gives you a quiet place to think clearly about what you want, what you're afraid of and what you can live with, before you make a decision that's hard to undo.

Is it normal to feel relief and grief at the same time?

Yes. Relief and grief often arrive together, along with anger, guilt and exhaustion. Mixed feelings don't mean you made the wrong choice. They mean something big ended, and part of you is still catching up.

Can you help me think about my kids through this?

Yes. As a marriage and family therapist and a dad, I can help you think through what to tell your kids, how to stay steady for them while you're struggling, and how to handle the stress of co-parenting.

What if I feel numb or unreal during a divorce?

It happens more than people expect. Under heavy, prolonged stress, some people feel foggy, detached or far away from their own lives. It's a known stress response, and it often eases as life steadies. If that's part of your experience, see my derealization page.

How long does divorce counseling take?

It depends on what you're carrying. Some people come for a few months to get through the hardest stretch. Others stay longer to rebuild. We'll check in regularly on what's helping and adjust as we go.

Does insurance cover divorce counseling?

Often, yes, when the stress is affecting your daily life. I'm in-network with Regence, Aetna, Moda and First Choice Health, and self-pay sessions are $200. Check your plan for details.

Grief counseling · Life transitions and new dads · Derealization therapy · Fees and insurance

When you're ready

In person in Johns Landing, or online anywhere in Oregon, Washington or California. A free 15-minute call is the first step.