
What Are Divorce Support Groups?
7 min.
Are you feeling alone in your divorce? You might need more support. Learn about divorce support groups, their benefits, and how they can help the divorce process feel more manageable.
The emotional toll, coupled with the logistical and legal complexities of divorce, can leave many people feeling overwhelmed, isolated, and unsure of how to move forward. During such a turbulent time, finding the right support system is crucial for healing and adjusting to life after divorce, which is where divorce support groups can make all the difference. Here is a deeper explanation of what divorce support groups are, the benefits of joining one, and how they can help make the emotional and practical challenges of the divorce process more manageable.
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What is a divorce support group?
A divorce support group is a gathering of people who are all experiencing or have experienced the end of a significant relationship, typically marriage. These groups provide a safe space for members to share their stories, express their feelings, and support each other in the healing process. By connecting with others who understand the challenges of divorce, members can find comfort, empathy, and practical advice as they navigate their own journeys toward recovery.
In a typical group setting, members come together to discuss their challenges, from dealing with emotions to navigating complex issues like child custody and legal advice. The support is often peer-driven, but some groups may also be led by a licensed therapist or mental health professional who provides guidance and structure to the sessions.
Why join a divorce support group?
Divorce is a deeply personal experience, but it doesn’t have to be faced alone. Joining a divorce group can provide numerous benefits.
1. Emotional support from peers
Going through a divorce often leads to feelings of loneliness, sadness, and confusion, making peer support one of the key benefits of joining a divorce support group. Peer support offers a safe space to share feelings without feeling judgment, helping reduce isolation and fostering empathy. Connecting with others facing similar struggles can provide reassurance and strength while navigating the emotional ups and downs of divorce.
2. Improve mental health and well-being
Divorce can take a significant toll on a person’s mental health, triggering emotions like anger, grief, anxiety, and depression. Divorce support groups offer a space to work through these emotions with the guidance of others who have experienced the same challenges. Many groups are led by mental health professionals who offer practical coping strategies, helping people develop healthier ways to manage stress and emotional turmoil. By sharing experiences and receiving expert guidance, participants can find emotional relief and build resilience during this challenging time.
3. Practical advice and guidance
While legal advice is best obtained from an attorney, divorce support groups can be a valuable source of practical guidance. For instance, many groups discuss topics like co-parenting and juggling being single parents, managing finances after divorce, and navigating the complexities of child custody or child support. Hearing about others’ real-world experiences can provide insights that help make informed decisions as they move forward in their own divorce proceedings.
4. Healing through shared experience
One of the most powerful aspects of a divorce support group is the opportunity to connect with others who share the same struggles. Shared experience fosters empathy and understanding, helping people realize that they’re not alone in this difficult process while providing an opportunity to learn new coping strategies and perspectives. Hearing how others have navigated their own divorce journeys can offer hope and reassurance that healing is possible, helping to build resilience and approach personal challenges with renewed strength and clarity.
5. Accountability and encouragement
Divorce recovery isn’t a quick fix—it takes time, and there will be days when progress feels slow. A divorce group can help people stay motivated and focused on their healing journey by offering encouragement, accountability, and celebrating small victories along the way. This sense of collective support creates a feeling of camaraderie, reminding people that each step forward, no matter how small, is an important part of the healing process.
Types of divorce support groups
Divorce support groups come in many forms, catering to different needs and preferences. The best type of group for each person will depend on their personal situation and what they’re looking to get out of the group. Here are five of the most common types of divorce support groups.
1. General divorce support groups
These groups are open to anyone going through a divorce and are often the most accessible type of support group. General divorce support groups provide a safe space for people going through the divorce process to talk about their experiences, share coping strategies, and get advice from others in similar situations. Furthermore, these groups offer not only emotional support but can also help people gain new perspectives and build a sense of community during a challenging time.
2. Men’s divorce groups
Men’s divorce groups focus on the specific challenges men face during and after divorce, such as emotional isolation, stigma, and the challenges of co-parenting. A men’s group can provide a space where men can openly discuss their feelings and seek support from other males going through similar experiences. Additionally, by connecting with others who understand the unique pressures they face, men can build a support network that brings healing, resilience, and personal growth without the surrounding stigma of divorce.
3. Women’s divorce groups
Similarly, women’s divorce groups address the unique challenges women often face in divorce, from financial independence to navigating the emotional complexities of the process. These groups can be especially helpful for women looking to rebuild their self-esteem or dealing with the stresses of single parenting. Women’s divorce groups also provide a supportive environment for sharing experiences and resources, empowering women to regain confidence and take control of their futures.
4. Co-parenting groups
For parents, divorce often brings the added challenge of learning how to co-parent effectively. Co-parenting groups focus on strategies for raising children in a post-divorce environment, managing shared custody, and ensuring that both parents remain involved in their children’s lives. Co-parenting groups are helpful in providing a supportive space for parents to learn conflict resolution techniques, set clear boundaries, and minimize stress to create a stable, nurturing environment for their children.
5. Support groups for domestic violence survivors
In the case of a divorce resulting from domestic violence, there are specific groups that focus on helping victims heal from the trauma of abuse. These support groups provide a safe space for survivors to talk about their experiences, receive support, and work on rebuilding their lives. Domestic violence support groups can also connect people with resources, including legal advice, safety planning, and therapy, to help them regain control and rebuild their sense of self-worth.
Online divorce support groups
While in-person support groups offer many benefits, online support groups have become an increasingly popular option, as they provide greater flexibility, allowing members to participate from the comfort of their homes. An online group option may be particularly useful for people who don’t have access to in-person groups in their area. They also offer the added benefit of anonymity, which can help people feel more comfortable sharing their experiences and emotions freely without fear of judgment.
Online platforms such as Facebook, Reddit, or dedicated websites host a variety of online divorce support groups. Whether someone is looking for group therapy or peer support, these online communities offer numerous options, allowing people to connect with others around the world who are going through similar challenges.
How to find the right divorce support group
Finding the right divorce support group for each circumstance is key to getting the most benefit from the experience. Here are a few ways to locate the right group.
1. Online platforms
As mentioned, many online support groups are free and easily accessible, making them a convenient option for those seeking support during a divorce. Platforms like Facebook or dedicated websites for divorcees offer a variety of groups where people can connect, share experiences, and find advice from others who understand their challenges. These groups provide an invaluable resource for emotional support without the need for in-person meetings.
2. Local community centers
Many community organizations, churches, and mental health clinics offer in-person divorce support groups, providing a welcoming space for people to heal and connect with others. Groups in these settings typically meet on a regular basis, offering consistency and structure that can be helpful for those navigating the emotional complexities of divorce. By attending in-person meetings, participants can build deeper connections with others, receive direct emotional support, and benefit from the guidance of trained facilitators in a supportive, face-to-face environment.
3. Therapists and counselors
For those looking for more professional guidance, some licensed therapists and mental health professionals offer group therapy specifically tailored to people going through a divorce. These sessions provide a structured environment where participants can explore their emotions, learn coping strategies, and gain insights from a trained therapist while also connecting with others. Group therapy offers the benefit of professional expertise combined with peer support, helping people work through their challenges in a constructive and supportive setting.
How Charlie Health can help
If you or a loved one are struggling with your mental health after a divorce, Charlie Health is here to help. Charlie Health’s virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provides more than once-weekly mental health treatment for dealing with serious mental health conditions. Our expert clinicians incorporate evidence-based therapies into individual counseling, family therapy, and group sessions. With treatment, managing your mental health is possible. Fill out the form below or give us a call to start healing today.