Support Groups To Help Recovery After Divorce

By Author: James Walsh
Total Articles: 68
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Frequently In a divorce situation, one thing give ways to another and the person involved often finds himself/herself unable to cope up with the ensuing stress. Under such circumstances, the presence of a set of concerned individuals could provide much needed respite. This is what divorce recovery support groups are all about.

What are Divorce Recovery Groups?

Plainly speaking, a divorce recovery support group is a batch of caring people, who themselves are at various stages of divorce in their lives and who attempt to facilitate the recovery of the various members of their group. A recovery group may be guided by a trained counselor or may exist merely by the personal initiative of some active member or organization. Divorce recovery support groups are primarily about extending companionship, help, support and advice to people facing a divorce scenario. At present, divorce recovery groups are operative in more then twenty countries and exist as less formal groups under some other names throughout the world.

Why is Recovery Needed?

A divorce gives way to a gamut of emotions like anger, ...
... hatred, guilt, embarrassment and pain, which if not expressed or given vent to could lead to serious financial, emotional, health and psychological problems. Not only the individuals involved are often unable to pacify the various agonizing doubts, but related problems like strained financial circumstances, legal hassles and worries about childcare add to their stress. Hence it becomes imperative that the trapped person gets a chance to heal and recover. In our managed healthcare system not all the people afford to hire trained therapists and financial advisers. Divorce recovery groups are especially meant for such people who specifically need help to speed up their healing process before, during and after a divorce.

Benefits of Joining a Divorce Recovery Group

The biggest benefit of joining a divorce recovery support group is that it provides its members with a healthy family environment that they had not experienced for a long time during their married life. Unimaginable is the joy of being able to say what one wants to say in a way one likes, without being judged, suppressed or criticized. Recovery group extends a hearty acceptance to its members and the warmth of being loved unconditionally always has a salubrious impact on their personalities. Emotional support rendered by fellow members proves to be a great source of comfort and security.

Support groups are not merely about hugs and warm handshakes. They also extend advice to their members relating to practical issues. Recovery groups help an individual to cope up with the distancing away of friends and extended family members during their divorce. One comes to know about how other people are dealing with their children and messed up finances. Members at an advanced stage of recovery do educate their friends about legal intricacies and nuances. One gets a chance to benefit from the experience of others. Sharing of resources and efforts helps all the members immensely.

In a wider perspective, divorce recovery support groups play an important role in political and social arena. They act as pressure groups and educate social institutions and masses about the rights of divorced people and single parents.

Things to be Considered Before Joining a Support Group

You will certainly benefit more from joining a recovery group if it is as per your needs and requirements. Hence it is imperative to consider some facts before affiliating to a support group.

A recovery group run by a professional therapist will require you to pay a fee and will extend strict attendance requirements. However, support groups run by church elders and community leaders are mostly free and do not insist on strict attendance schedules. The group you join should not be so large to deprive you of apt attention or quality time. Whether you prefer men only, women only or a coed group will depend on your choice. In today's busy world, it would be really convenient if your support group is located in your vicinity.

The frequency of group meetings should suit your situation. If you are recently been divorced or are going through a divorce, perhaps you will need more frequent support. The commitment expected from you in terms of time and efforts should be realistic and must fit your regular routine. Again if you want to join a support group affiliated to some religious orientation or not will depend on you.

It may sound hackneyed but two heads are always better then one. So join a support group and try to help others while you are being helped.

James Walsh is a freelance writer and copy editor. If you would like more information on how to get a quickie Divorce see http://www.quickie-divorce.com