Right Divorce Support Groups for You
If you are in counseling or therapy and going through a divorce, your therapist may recommend that you attend divorce support groups. Support groups can be a great adjunct to individual counseling because it gives you the opportunity to talk to others who are going through similar circumstances.
Often, support groups can be intimidating in the early stages. It can take time to get to know other group members and feel like it is safe to talk about your own emotional issues and struggles. However, you will likely find rather quickly that it is comforting to hear other people’s stories and about how they cope with their own struggles.
Some support groups are available through religious organizations and community support services. Often, these support groups are peer-facilitated groups. Other support groups are facilitated by professional therapists who have specific training and experience with group process and mental health issues.
Another thing to consider is whether the group is open or closed. An open group is also often called a “drop in” group. Group members frequently change with each meeting. This can make it hard for some people to feel comfortable freely sharing in the group.
Closed support groups are groups in which the group members are set once the group starts. Members may drop out over time as personal circumstances change, but new members either are not allowed or must be accepted by the entire group before they are allowed to join. Some people prefer closed groups because they feel emotionally safer sharing personal issues.
Support groups are a very good resource to help you through the emotional ups and downs that invariably come with going through a divorce. Check with your therapist or local community support center to find a support group in your area.