I totally think you will get something out of it, we pray a little, share our struggles of the week, it helps just being with a group of people that are going through the exact same thing you are going through. I didn't like it the first time I went but I kept going and do get a lot from it.

I went through several sessions of Divorce Care. The sessions are not dependent on each other. So going into session 7 is not going to be tied to 1 thru 6..

Once you pay for the workbook you can attend as many complete sessions as you feel you need. Each time I went thru all the sessions I was at a different stage of my divorce. It depends on the facilitator on how much religion is brought into Divorce Care. It really helps to attend the sessions and have the support of people who are going thru a divorce too

I have known some that came for the last one.
Then they just return when the next one starts.

Most people that need to go are in crisis you
Will not be turned away. I liked it when there
Was a mix of levels of people.

Like some old timers and Some new ones. Many
new people are frantic and crying and then they
are Told like we tell everyone it does get better.
It just takes time and getting thru the divorce and
The grieving process.

I am a lapsed catholic too. It actually was good for
Me on many levels. Just ignore the religious aspect
If it bothers you. I never saw anyone try to convert
Any one else. So much of the program is just how
to Move thru it and survive it then hopefully thrive.

First you pray, then you talk, then you watch a 30
Minute video, then you talk , then you pray. The prayers
Are not that long and usually they include the people
There and names and hopes for them HUGS

It will help if you focus on taking a step of healing each time you go. Say whatever you want to say and be encouraged that it is a safe place. I've been to 2 groups that have been very supportive ( 2 different places, many meetings). It takes guts to go, but it will help. Keep going and working through the intense feelings. It's normal to be on an emotional roller coaster.

Go and don't pray out loud but hold hands if that is part of the exercise as human touch can be a powerful healer of the heart. Close your eyes, bow your head and repeat your own mantra. Mine is: I will survive and prosper. Good luck and let us know your impressions of the meeting.

The religious aspects are the videos but
They are needed its part of the teachings
Of the program. Take what you like, many
Of us just needed the support way more
Than any videos so just suck it up if you
Need to. I would fall 1/2 asleep and listen.

Some facilitators are better than others
Some groups are better than others. Some
People Can have over whelming problems
And they can take up too much floor time
And less for others. We all have problems.

We were there for love, support and acceptance
Some are a little shy about opening up and being
Honest. It takes time, trust and faith. HUGS

Remember, support groups are so named because we all get into situations when we need propping up, and it sounds like you are ready for this type of therapy. Don't be hesitant because it is a church sponsored event. You aren't required to know Bible verses, and it doesn't matter that you are a "lapsed" anything. What does matter is that you will be with others who are in similar situations as you are. You can and will learn and grow from these sessions. Embrace the warmth as you join others walking through the same problems. Blessings to you!

Here's my experience with divorce care. I went to 2 meetings, then stopped. They were very wonderful caring people, but to me the religious overtones were too much for me. I'm not religious, but went to catholic grade school. There were 3 leaders who prayed twice a meeting, and quoted the bible quite often. Then the other attendees - 2 or 3 were married to deacons or whatever the title, I forget. I was the only non-practicing person. They often referred to others as "non-believers". I was a little offended by that, because the tone was that non-believers were a little less enlightened than believers. They say every church who hosts divorce care is different, so if there had been another one close by, I would have tried another one. Not too many options out by me.

So my experience was pretty sumilar to jojored - very nice people but I don't think it's for me. There were 5 participants (including me) and the facilitator. One was snoring through the video. Started off with sharing what our blessings were for the week - I took a "pass." After video discussion was talking about building a relationship with God so he could guide us through this. That God would let me know what to do. People I met were very nice, but not the kind where I would exchange numbers and reach out to. The only goid thing about it was the facilitator was great. She stayed after everyone left and talked one-on-one with me. Didn't preach, just listened. I wish there were more non-religion based support groups.

Keep going back is my suggestion,

I was uncomfortable the First time too but i needed
help so i kept going Back So that i could get better
and i needed to keep reaching out And help myself
survive my divorce with some sanity left.

They helped me in more ways Than i could count. Its
about you and your recovery Journey not anyone elses.
Glad you liked the facilitator and got to talk thats
important. HUGS

I didn't do divorce care, but I attended Al-Anon meetings while I was married to my EX. I agree with mirandac, that you should keep going back. That was something suggested in Al-Anon, sometimes it takes a few meetings to benefit because they were all different depending on who showed up. The fact that you liked the facilitator and she spent one on one time with you is a huge bonus. Now she can tailor some things so you get more out of it than if you were just sitting in back being a passive observer.