If you do not know what a Divorce Recovery group is, it is a group of people who walk alongside you through one of life’s most difficult experiences. Groups are led by people who understand divorce and what you are going through. They offer valuable information and resources in helping you heal and rebuild your life.

To find a Divorce Recovery group in your area, there are several places you might search:

1. The Internet- Google; divorce recovery group or divorce support group, your city, state. There is also a site you can check: http://www.divorcehq.com/supportgroups.html
2. The local newspaper.
3. Local Churches in your area (use the Internet to view their websites, look up phone numbers, names of people to contact.
4. Community Centers.
5. Networking – ask divorce related professionals, such as attorney’s, therapist specializing in divorce, co-workers, friends, acquaintances.

How to decide which group to attend? Things you should consider:

Are your values, and beliefs consistent with the foundation of the program? What is most important to you in a group? What do you hope to get out of the group? Is the location convenient and does the time and day of the week work in your schedule? Will the group cover a specific topic or area of concern where you need help? If you are a Christian Believer you may benefit most from a Christ centered program.

The Divorce Recovery group I attended was located at my church and it was Christian based. However, most of the people who attended the group did not attend my church and some were not Believers, yet still greatly benefited from the group. Do not feel that you have to belong to a particular church to attend their Divorce Recovery group. These groups are generally open to the community. The best way to get a feel for a group is to contact the person organizing the group and ask questions.

Questions you may want to ask about the group:

1. How long is the program? 8 weeks? 10 weeks?
2. How often is the program offered? twice a year?
3. Who lead the group and what is their background or qualifications?
4. How is the program structured? A lecture or video and then a small group?
5. If it is a program created by an individual, is it based upon a particular book?
6. Are there any requirements to participate?
7. Are there any costs? If so, how much? Do they offer scholarships if people need them?
8. How many people can attend the group? Is there a limit?
9. When does the group meet and where?
10. Is there homework? How much of a time commitment will it be?
11. Is there a program for children? Do they offer childcare?

A couple of Divorce Recovery programs you may find in your area:

DivorceCare is an organization with thousands of seminars and support groups that meet weekly throughout the US, Canada and nearly 20 other countries and territories. The neat thing about DivorceCare groups is that you can join at any time. If you miss the beginning of the group it doesn’t matter. Each of the 13 weeks covers a different topic, so you can jump in any time and keep going until you have attended each of the topics. DivorceCare is a Christian based program.

DivorceCare does offer a program for children called DivorceCare for kids. If you have children your kids can be attending a support group for them while you are participating in the adult program. The DivorceCare for kids is not always offered with the adult program, but the Internet will show you which locations offer the kids program. Their website is; http://www.divorcecare.org

Another group is The Fisher Rebuilding Divorce Seminars. Although there are not as many of these groups, you can go to their website and find out if there are any groups in your area. These groups tend to be smaller and more intimate. They often meet in a person’s home. They are available in the US, Canada and a few other countries. Their website is; http://www.rebuilding.org

If you have any helpful information or experience with a Divorce Recovery program that you would like to share with others, please feel free to comment below.

copyright 2008 Shelley Grieser

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