Support Groups for Separation or Divorce
We run two 13-week DivorceCare support groups each year, starting in February and August. You can find more information below, including how to register your interest in attending a group.
When:
Our next DivorceCare support group starts 15 February 2024 and will run for 13 weeks until 16 May, meeting from 7pm to 9pm each Thursday evening. Please register your interest if you would like to attend this group.
About:
Most people will tell you that separation and divorce are the most painful and stressful experiences they’ve ever faced. Our DivorceCare course will help you deal with the pain of the past and look forward to rebuilding your life.
You’ll learn practical strategies and information that will help you recover from your separation or divorce, learning from the experts and those who’ve been through it.
What next:
DivorceCare changed my life at a time when I thought my life was over.
What to expect:
DivorceCare groups meet weekly to help you face the challenges of divorce or separation and move towards rebuilding your life. Each session has two distinct elements:
1. A seminar with experts
During the first 30–40 minutes of the meeting, each DivorceCare group watches a video seminar featuring top experts on divorce and recovery subjects. These videos are produced in an interesting-to-watch television magazine format featuring expert interviews, real-life case studies and on-location video.
2. A support group with focus
After viewing the video, DivorceCare group participants spend time as a support group, discussing what was presented in that week’s video seminar and what is going on in the lives of group members.
Weekly Topics:
- Deep Hurt: Overwhelming emotions and confusion are normal after divorce. This first session helps people know what emotions to expect and how to set up healthy practices for a successful recovery.
- Road to Recovery: The road ahead after divorce or separation can look rough. Group members will learn about common roadblocks to recovery and signs that they’re making progress.
- Anger: “What am I supposed to do with all this anger?” Experts in the video answer this question and help group members learn when anger might be helpful or harmful and how to manage their anger.
- Grief & Depression: Working through the many emotions of grief and loss after separation or divorce is one of the hardest things a person can go through. This week’s session lets participants know what to expect with grief and how to handle guilt and depression.
- Loneliness: Divorce and separation can leave people feeling isolated and alone. This session helps group members overcome loneliness and learn what temptations to avoid when they feel lonely.
- Fears & Anxiety: Fear and anxiety can be paralyzing and prevent participants from moving forward. During this session, group members will learn how to stop worrying so much and face the future with confidence and hope.
- Family & Friends: Divorce changes all relationships—not just the marriage. The insights in this session teach group members how to navigate changes in their relationships with their former spouses as well as with family and friends.
- Financial & Legal Issues: This week’s session offers resources to resolve financial and legal concerns. Participants will learn how to regain financial footing and how to avoid common legal mistakes.
- Conflict: “How can I handle conflict in a healthy way?” This week, participants learn how to deal with disagreements and respond well in difficult conversations.
- Forgiveness: Hearts that are raw from hurt can find it hard to forgive. During this important session, group members will learn what forgiveness really is, how to let go, and why.
- Your Former Spouse: Since their lives are still connected, it’s often difficult for group members to know how they should interact with their former spouses. This session helps them figure out what’s next and determine if a new type of civil relationship with their ex might be possible.
- Single Living: A person’s identity is often wrapped up in being married. This week’s session helps participants rethink their identities and learn how to move forward as a single person.
- Brighter Days: This week focuses on how group members can continue to move forward. Participants will learn ways to find hope when future difficulties arise and how serving others can contribute to their ongoing recovery
My 14-year-old son is seeing the change in me.
Even if you have doubts about attending, just go.
Frequently Asked Questions
People at DivorceCare are there because they, too, are looking for help and support in a caring, safe place. Everyone is welcome, no matter what circumstances led to the breakup and no matter what your current marital status.
DivorceCare was created to help people find hope and healing after divorce or separation. Check out the weekly topics covered by DivorceCare and see if you find them relevant and relatable to your situation.
Yes! The program is designed so you can join at any time during the 13-week cycle.
$55 to cover the cost of books, snacks, childcare, etc. Scholarships are available if money is a problem. Contact us on 02 9580 4094 or send an email to discuss how we can help you.
DivorceCare for Kids (DC4K) is our 13-week program for children ages 5–12 whose parents are going through separation and divorce. It runs in parallel to DivorceCare and is on the same site. The activities, games and music are designed to help children manage their emotions and communicate well with their parents.
While we do not always run DC4K each semester, we may still be able to help with on-site childcare. Please contact us on 02 9580 4094 or send an email to discuss your needs.
Your DivorceCare leaders have been where you are, are at a place of healing and recovery, and want to show you how to get there too. They have a heart to help people in the same way they’ve been helped. And they’ll help you avoid common mistakes.
That’s perfectly fine. No one is required to share. People usually find that it is helpful to express their concerns and ask questions, but you are welcome to come and simply listen. You will still benefit from hearing others’ stories and the expert advice from the videos.
Those feelings go away quickly for most people, usually during the first session they attend. DivorceCare is a warm, caring environment designed to help you.
Yes. Our groups meetings are hybrid. If you cannot attend in person, you can join in on zoom.
Even though DivorceCare is based upon Christian principles, people from all faiths, and even those who are not religious, have found hope and healing attending. The practical advice from counsellors, pastors and healthcare professionals applies to anyone.