Erasmus Shalihaxwe
The Divorce Bill should make it mandatory for divorcing couples to undergo psychodynamic therapy.
This is according to a Popular Democratic Movement (PDM) member of parliament, Winnie Moongo.
During the debate in the National Assembly this week, Moongo explained that therapy can provide divorced individuals with the tools they need to process their experiences and emotions constructively.
“Therapy can help individuals deal with overwhelming feelings of sadness or helplessness, persistent anxiety and difficulty facing everyday challenges. Therefore, by addressing these issues, individuals can improve their mental health and well-being, making them better prepared for future relationships,” she said.
She added that divorce often leads to lifestyle changes, financial difficulties, and familial strains.
According to her, these changes can exacerbate feelings of depression and anxiety.
“Psychodynamic therapy can help individuals navigate these changes by providing a safe space to explore their feelings and develop coping strategies. This therapeutic support is crucial in helping individuals adapt to their new circumstances and rebuild their lives,” she said.
Moongo believes that the impact of divorce extends beyond the immediate parties involved, affecting children as well as extended families.
“One of the significant advantages of psychodynamic therapy is its focus on long-term emotional well-being. Unlike short-term solutions, this therapy delves into the root causes of emotional distress, ensuring that individuals can achieve lasting mental health improvements. This approach is particularly beneficial for those who have experienced abusive marriages or have a history of mental health conditions such as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia,” said Moongo.
Deputy Minister of Health and Social Service Esther Muinjangue said the bill failed to clearly define “mediation and mediator,” which are crucial during divorce proceedings.
“Mediation is a very important exercise before and during mediation, a dispute resolution process in which an impartial third party facilitates negotiations between parties or spouses to help them devise their own, mutually acceptable solutions,” said Muinjangue.
According to Muinjangue, the marriage bill does not define the term social worker.
