ABSTRACT
Cognitive restructuring methods have been applied to an extensive array of problems (Ellis & Bernard, 1986; Ellis & Grieger, 1986; Grieger & Grieger, 1982). Comparatively recently a number of practitioners have applied cognitive methods to treat postdivorce adjustment problems (Broder, 1985; Ellis, 1986; Graff, Whitehead, & Le Compte, 1986; Granvold, 1989; Granvold & Welch, 1977, 1979; Huber, 1983; Johnson, 1977; Walen & Bass, 1986; Walen, DiGiuseppe, & Wessler, 1980). The divorced client is highly subject to errors in cognitive functioning as s/he experiences the crisis of divorce and addresses pervasive change demands related to: (1) redefinition of self and object loss trauma; (2) role loss, disorientation, and restructuring; and (3) lifestyle adjustment. The process of postdivorce adjustment is marked by high stress, extreme and oscillating emotions, and both positive and negative experiences.
