When your world has been rocked by divorce, divorce groups offering a supportive environment are definitely something to consider joining.
It can be so helpful talking with others who are in the same position as you and understand what you're feeling and going through. This kind of support group really helped me get through and start healing from my divorce.
You can check with local churches or look in your phone book to find out if there are any divorce support groups in your area. You can also check our individual state listing in our State Divorce Resources to see which groups are listed.
If you are unable to find these services listed, here are a few resources to help you find a divorce group (a lot of these are available nationwide) in your area.
Divorce Care has been around for many years now and is very well established. In fact, there are numerous DivorceCare groups in the United States and Canada, plus many international groups in countries such as Australia, the United Kingdom, and more. On the very slight chance that there isn't a group in your town, they offer training and support to help get a group started. Meetings are usually held in local churches and they offer videos from leading divorce experts, support group sessions, and resources to help you rebuild your life.
Divorce Support Meetup Groups - This resource has groups across the nation and Canada, as well as internationally. If there isn't a group in your area, you can start one. Various groups offer support for those going through a divorce, people who are working on rebuilding their lives, and even for people who are now single parents.
Parents Without Partners - This organization in based in the USA and Canada and focuses on the needs of single parents. Though not as large as some other organizations (they have about 400 chapters), they offer specialized support for single parents and companionship from other parents who know first-hand what they are experiencing. Plus, custody is not a factor. You can contact your local chamber of commerce to see if there are active groups in your community.
Women Rising Strong™ - This is a virtual group for women dealing with the emotional fallout of divorce. It is aimed at helping you move from being stuck and overwhelmed to getting up and moving forward with your life. The group is led by Dene Carroll, a licensed clinical social worker who supports individuals and families experiencing major life transitions.
More Divorce Groups - Karen Covey discusses the benefits of having the support of other people who know what you are going through as you navigate the divorce process. She also provides an extensive list of divorce groups organized by type of group, religious affiliation, online groups and more.
Divorce Care for Kids - Based on the same principles as Divorce Care, these support groups are specifically for children who have been affected by their parent's divorce. They have a 13 week program that allows children to work through their issues and share their feelings in a safe environment. Currently these programs are available for children 5-12 years old.
Rainbows - This is an international support group that helps all children deal with grief, whether it's from death, divorce, deployment, or other situations. Rainbows has been around since 1983, so they are very well established and organized. Children receive support and guidance to help them work through their grief in a constructive manner, learning how to better communicate their feelings. They have different programs for different age groups, such as the Sunbeams for 3-4 years old and the regular Rainbows for children 4-18 years old.
Partners in Prevention is a charitable organization which focuses on the intervention and prevention of domestic abuse through its training programs for healthcare providers. By providing the information these professionals need to recognize the signs of domestic abuse, therapists, nurses, and doctors can guide their patients to the services they need to break free from the abuse and begin healing. If you're interested in their program, they can be contacted at:
13918 E. Mississippi Ave
Aurora, CO 80012
Phone: 720-222-1058
Project HopeLine - Verizon has teamed up with domestic violence agencies and non-profit organizations to raise awareness of intimate partner abuse and provide resources for prevention and recovery.
You might also find the following forums helpful as you transition through and beyond your divorce:
If you are aware of other supportive divorce groups that aren't listed above, please contact me so they can be added.