Find a Divorce Support Group

How can group therapy help people going through a divorce?

Group therapy helps individuals going through a divorce by providing emotional support and practical guidance during the separation process. Groups can help reduce feelings of isolation and grief by connecting participants with others who share similar experiences. Group members also practice healthy coping strategies, which can help with the management of the emotional challenges that come with divorce.

In addition to emotional support, divorce-focused groups frequently cover practical topics like legal issues, financial planning, and co-parenting. These conversations help individuals build stronger communication skills and manage changing family dynamics, making the transition after divorce easier to navigate.

How does group therapy for divorce differ from individual counseling?

Group therapy for divorce differs from individual counseling in several important ways, though both can play valuable roles in the healing process. Individual counseling offers personalized, one-on-one support tailored to an individual's specific experiences and emotions. In contrast, group therapy connects participants with others also going through divorce, which can help reduce feelings of isolation and loneliness that often come with major relationship changes.

In a group setting, participants can also practice communication and social skills and receive direct feedback from both peers and the group facilitator. This can be especially helpful for managing challenging interpersonal situations that may arise after divorce, such as co-parenting or building healthy future relationships. Depending on the type of group, divorce-focused groups also frequently follow a structured curriculum designed to teach specific coping skills, making them more structured than typical individual therapy sessions.

What therapeutic techniques are commonly used in group therapy for those coping with divorce?

Group therapy for divorce commonly uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a technique that helps participants recognize how unhelpful thought patterns contribute to difficult emotions and behaviors. CBT works well in group settings because it focuses on building practical skills, such as thought journaling and cognitive reframing, which participants can practice together. This shared practice reinforces skill development and allows members to receive immediate support and feedback from peers.

Psychoeducation is another widely used approach in divorce-focused groups. This technique helps participants better understand how their emotions—such as grief or anger—connect to their divorce experience. For example, group members might learn about the stages of grief and how divorce can trigger similar feelings. Psychoeducation can also cover effective communication techniques and problem-solving strategies, helping participants develop healthier ways to manage conflict and family challenges after divorce.