Unexpected Divorce: a traumatic love breakup

Abstract

This article discusses the psychological suffering experienced in an unexpected divorce case, specific form of separation, and its possibilities for clinical management, based on Gestalt therapy and ambiguous loss studies. Therefore, we define this form of love breakup as one in which there is an abrupt end, the decision-making process is unilateral, there is a feeling of abandonment and there is no perception of the possibility of breaking the relationship. These factors combined have a high traumatic potential, making it difficult for those left to elaborate it. In the case study presented, the impacts of divorce on the participant's quality of life, her financial capacity, as well as on her physical and mental health, are clear. The specifics of mourning due to the ambiguous and non-finite loss experienced are evident, allowing us to discuss a specific clinical management, focused on awareness and creative adjustment, and which include the following pillars: giving sense and meaning to the experience, finding balance, rebuilding identity, dealing with the ambivalence of feelings, reviewing attachments and finding hope again.