I have actually been to a few.

One was a Mindfulness support group to help with stress and anxiety. It was a very hands-on group, you don't really talk about your personal problems in detail. the focus is more on learning coping techniques.

I did a EMT (emotional freedom technique) class where I learned the science of emotions in a group setting. Little sharing, more about learning why/how we feel and things to do to help.

I am now in a depression group. This one is a combination of open discussion as well as developing coping skills special to your situation.

The mindfulness group was very helpful.
The emt group felt like i was in a college lecture.
The depression group i just started. Its weird talking about yourself so deeply in front of a group of strangers but the input you get is very helpful and any strategies you take to cope are your choice.

Each group had outside of group homework and exercises to do in order to put into practice what you learn.

Mine were in a behavioral health center setting so I am sure the church setting may or may not be religion based. I tried an emotions anonymous (kind of like alcoholics anonymous) group but I didn't like it because of the religious push and left after one meeting. You just gotta take a chance and if you don't like it, you don't have to go back. You can find something else.

All they are doing is making sure you know what your options are to help you cope.

I was in a couple of different groups years ago. They often were provided space by churches but the individual religion of the host facility was never pushed on us. In fact, I don't think the church itself was even represented. One group was of the 12-step variety so they did use the Christian "Lord's Prayer", but I don't think anyone was required to actually say it. If you ask the leader of the group about the religious requirements you'll probably get an idea of what they expect.

As for talking about one's self, I believe participants could pass on that option if they wanted. However, after hearing everyone else admit to their issues, it becomes easier. All make promises to not repeat anything said by group members to anyone outside the group, so that's another level of security that's built in.

I say give one a try and if it doesn't fit your comfort levels, try the next on the list. Best of luck!

I'm going to one at a chuch right now. Other than saying the Lords' prayer at the end, religiion is not brought up. We watch videos and then have discussion time about what is going on with our lives and if anything is botherin us. Every few weeks the meeting is just an open forum and we talk the entire tiem. It is helpful to hear what others are going to thru and hear suggestions for how to cope with something. everyone has the op.tion to pass when it is time to talk, though we do like to give new people the opportunity to talk if they choose.

It's been helpful. A lot doesn't apply to me esp regarding lawyers and kids, but it's nice to be around others who get the emotional roller coaster.

12 step group, a little boring because the perotocol was the same every single meeting
but I found the anonymity and no cross-talk comforting

group therapy in my therapist training programme was VERY STIMULATING, high emotional energy, which made it hard at times, and exhuasting but it "cleaned house" (my head) faster than any molly maid service could have

you have to have a thick skin and an open mind and trust that everyone has your best interest at heart, but sometimes are worki9ng through their own painful stuff when theyre projecting onto you

I found the DivorceCare group online but can't find any other divorce support groups in my area at all. I know that DivorceCare (national organization) is religiously based, held n churches, bible-based study... but am concerned that I'm not "religious" enough to feel comfortable there. Anyone been to a DivorceCare group? How religious are we talking? I'm spiritual but not a bible-toter by any means. I have no problem with others in a group relying heavily on their faith, and would never say anything contradictory to their beliefs, but also want to feel comfortable while in the group. As long as it's focused on healing and growth after divorce, they might have something very helpful to offer. I just don't want to be hit over the head with bible study, etc.

Any experiences with it?

I have been attending Divorce Care. I am not Christian, and it is definitely strongly Christian-centered, but I don't ever feel uncomfortable there. Each session consists of a video (fairly lengthy) covering a topic such as Depression, Finances, Dating, Children, etc., and then some discussion among the attendees, and then a closing prayer. The video shows numerous people who've gone through divorce sharing their experiences in detail. There is a heavy Christian focus, but I just ignore that and take away what I can. Everyone is welcome, Christian or not, and it depends how comfortable you are in these situations. If you are uneasy sitting while everyone else has a bowed head saying a prayer, or listening to other attendees share their faith, it's not the place for you. I have no problem with it, though.

I was wondering the same about them, but figured it couldn't hurt to check one out. In that I don't have to talk about anything I don't want, or can always just get up and leave if uncomfortable (though I'm generally a pretty polite person and would only do that if things got really bad). I had planned on attending a Divorce Care support group, at a church, but I have two sick kids, hence it'll have to wait until next week. Great question.

Thanks for the info on DivorceCare. I can certainly handle prayer and references to Christian-based faith. And if conversation gets super bible-y, I'll just listen. Like I said, I don't have anything against folks who are uber religious or super bible oriented, I just may not have much to add to the conversation at that point. But I'll certainly keep my mind open and would be happy to learn what I can about this difficult process we're all going through. Religious preferences aside, people coming together to support one another through one of life's most difficult difficulties is a welcome and good thing...

The DivorceCare class I have been to twice and it's only an hour with 6-7 grieving divorcee's there so there really isn't a bunch of time for fire, brimstone or intense religiosity tangents. It is comforting that these people don't know your ex or the ins and outs of the nitty gritty details unless you want to share but they understand. I think live support is definitely good to get one out. Isolation is not great either. We pray at the end but it's not like there is an offering plate or anything. You can choose to participate in the actual course but for the first 4-5 weeks we just share and get to know each other, we sign confidentiality agreements and agree it's a safe place so it has helped thus far. :)

I also went to DivorceCare and I just went for the message. But the religion stuff didn't bother me either. I'm very open and tolerant of other beliefs, and it probably helps that I was raised Catholic (which is why I don't practice anymore, lol).

But it does help to meet other people and you really see that you're not alone. Just go to one or two meetings (with whatever group) and if it's not your thing, don't go back. That happened at one of the first meetings I went to where people showed up the first day and never came back. I almost didn't go back but my counselor urged me to keep going. She wanted me to meet new people like me and get perspective on my situation. And I am glad I did it.

Now the session is over and a new one is starting up in a week and I'm going to do it again. Not only to hear the lessons again but also to help other people if I can.

Good luck with your decision.

I wish I had a group to go to around here. Small town living SUCKS.

bob, try meetup.com and search for divorce groups or any other group you may want. if there is not one in your town, there is sure to be one nearby. they are free and its just a group of people getting together that share a common interest/situation.

Great insight... I'll definitely go and give the group a shot. I'll take any help I can get at this point...