How to Heal After Divorce: Grief, Identity Loss & Emotional Recovery with Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP

Divorce recovery is about more than ending a marriage. It is about healing grief, rebuilding self-worth, restoring emotional health, processing identity loss, and learning how to move forward after one of life's most difficult transitions.

In Episode 125 of The Holistic Counselor Podcast, Diana Rice, LMHC, sits down with divorce recovery specialist Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP, to discuss emotional healing after divorce, grief, faith, attachment wounds, people-pleasing patterns, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and practical tools for rebuilding confidence and finding hope again.

Drawing from both her professional expertise and personal experience, Shirley shares how her own journey through divorce inspired her to create the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a structured framework designed to help women heal emotionally, renew their minds, strengthen their faith, and rediscover who they are beyond the pain of relationship loss.

Together, Diana and Shirley explore the hidden mental health effects of divorce, the stigma many women experience within faith communities, the importance of emotional honesty, healthy boundaries, self-care, nervous system awareness, and why healing requires more than simply "moving on."

Whether you're currently navigating separation, healing from a divorce that happened years ago, supporting someone you love, or simply interested in emotional wellness, resilience, personal growth, and the intersection of faith and mental health, this conversation offers practical wisdom, encouragement, and hope for the journey ahead.

In This Episode

• How to heal after divorce

• The emotional stages of grief after divorce

• Identity loss and rebuilding self-worth

• Depression, anxiety, shame, and emotional overwhelm

• Faith, forgiveness, and healing after divorce

• Attachment styles and people-pleasing patterns

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and renewing the mind

• Healthy coping skills during major life transitions

• Emotional regulation and nervous system awareness

• The importance of community, support, and accountability

• Red flags that unresolved relationship wounds may still be affecting current relationships

• Why healing is a journey—not a quick fix

• How to move from surviving to thriving

Memorable Quotes

"You started understanding how to respond in wisdom instead of reacting in emotion." — Diana Rice, LMHC

"The relationship ended, but that doesn't define who you are. It's just part of your story, not your entire story." — Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP

Who This Episode Is For

This episode is for you if:

You're currently going through a separation or divorce

You're struggling with grief, shame, anger, loneliness, or uncertainty

You're wondering how to rebuild your confidence and identity

You're navigating divorce within a faith community

You're carrying emotional wounds from a past relationship

You're supporting a friend or loved one through divorce

You're looking for practical tools to help you heal and move forward

You're interested in mental health, faith, personal growth, and emotional wellness

About Our Guest

Shirley Barthelemy, MS, LMHC, LPC, CAP is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Addiction Professional, Certified Life Coach, and Founder of Holistic Lady Counseling Services.

For more than 10 years, she has served individuals, couples, and families within the mental health and substance use field. Today, she specializes in Divorce Recovery Coaching, helping women navigate grief, emotional healing, confidence rebuilding, self-worth restoration, and personal growth after divorce.

She is the creator of the HER Divorce Recovery Coaching Program, a comprehensive framework designed to help women Heal, Grow, and Thrive.

Resources Mentioned

Holistic Lady Counseling Services https://holisticladycounseling.com

Learn More About Shirley Barthelemy https://holisticladycounseling.com/official-about-page/

DivorceCare Divorce Recovery Support Groups https://www.divorcecare.org

Through the Valley Therapy https://www.throughthevalleytherapy.com

Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching https://www.transformedmindcc.com

The Holistic Counselor Podcast https://pod.link/1732149496

Connect with Diana Rice

Diana S. Rice, LMHC, CIMHP

Founder, Through the Valley Therapy

Founder, Transformed Mind Consulting & Coaching

Host, The Holistic Counselor Podcast

Enjoyed This Episode?

If this conversation encouraged you, challenged you, or reminded you that healing is possible, please subscribe, follow, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who may be struggling with grief, heartbreak, divorce, identity loss, relationship trauma, or emotional healing.

Your reviews help these conversations reach people who feel isolated, overwhelmed, and unsure where to turn. Together, we can remind others that they are not alone and that healing is possible.

Until next time, remember: you are fearfully and wonderfully made.