Support groups can help with one of the hardest parts of this experience: the sense that no one around you understands what you're going through. A good group won't fix everything, but it can make the isolation more bearable.
Types of groups
- In-person groups, often run through a community organization, house of worship, or counseling practice.
- Structured programs with a curriculum, such as DivorceCare, which run in cohorts over several weeks.
- Online or virtual groups, which can be easier to access consistently and offer more privacy.
Questions to ask before joining
- "Is this facilitated by a trained leader, or is it peer-led?"
- "Is there a cost, and is there a set number of sessions or is it ongoing?"
- "What's the format: is it mostly sharing, structured discussion, or educational content?"
Give it more than one try
The first session of a group doesn't always reflect what it's like once you're a regular part of it. If a particular group doesn't feel right, it's worth trying a different one before deciding groups in general aren't for you.