A Divorce Support Circle (sometimes called a “Divorce Support Group”) is a meeting of people who are going through (or have gone through) the divorce process. Individuals share their stories, express their emotions in a safe, neutral environment and receive support from the other members. A support circle also provides an empathetic and solution-focused atmosphere for participants to talk about their challenges and brain storm how to address them as they arise.
Often these support groups are offered by churches or community centers. CGG is one of the only law firms in Northern Virginia that offers a Divorce Support Circle (with information below about how to participate). Joining one of these groups can have a significant positive impact on your emotional and mental well-being during your divorce.
BENEFITS OF CGG’S DIVORCE SUPPORT CIRCLE
Joining a Support Circle is a step in the right direction. Some people are initially concerned with how they will be perceived in a group setting. However, you can progress at your own comfort level in a Support Circle. So, if you want to listen in only or actively participate, you are welcome. Many clients tend to gradually increase participation as they adjust to the group and get to know other members and their situations.
- Divorce Support Circles can help you find a new support system that you never knew you needed. Our clients frequently make friends with others in similar situations. By joining CGG’s Support Circle, you will have access to a unique and supportive experiences. While the circle provides solid strategies and resources, it also helps you to laugh through the tough times. One of our clients said it best, “The support circle helped me to dance through the rain.”
- You can gain a lot of knowledge and insight into different situations, receive advice, and learn to cope with emotions that come up during or after a divorce. Hearing how others have made it through their own divorces can also make navigating your own easier.
- When you feel stuck or feel you need help, the Divorce Support Circle can resource you with strategies and problem-solve next steps.
- One of the more critical roles of the Divorce Support Circle is to help you feel like you’re not alone. Divorce is a major life change and some clients feel as though their family is being destroyed or their life is being turned upside down. You may find yourself at one of your most vulnerable stages and you don’t have to go through this alone.
- Divorce Support Circles encourage members to share their stories and offer solutions to problems presented by other members. This supportive community will listen to your concerns with an empathetic ear while also keeping you accountable for your actions.
- While Divorce Support Circles have traditionally been held in person, most (if not all) have moved to a virtual platform (at least for the time being). These platforms offer convenient options for people with busy schedules, transportation issues, etc.
- Divorce Support Circles have a wealth of resources for people going through a divorce (such as referrals to legal and financial professionals, suggestions for relevant reading materials, ideas for parenting “apps,” etc.)
What do Clients Talk About in the Divorce Support Circle?
The Divorce Support Circle discusses a wide array of topics. Examples of some topics discussed include:
- Letting Go
- Reinventing Yourself
- Narcissistic Abuse Recovery
- Gaslighting
- Redefining the New You
- Forgiveness
- Divorce Regrets
- Divorce Anger
- Divorce Betrayal
- Divorce Grief
- Recovering from Self Blame
- Coping Skills
- ….& many more topics
Clients are also welcome to suggest a topic that would help in their own recovery. CGG’s Divorce Coach will then put together an agenda around the suggested topic for the group.
As Seen on CGG’s Social Media Pages from the Divorce Support Circle Talks
CGG’S DIVORCE SUPPORT CIRCLE – LED BY LEAH NATHAN, PH.D.
During the divorce process, you will be making major decisions that will affect you for the rest of your life. While you are on this emotional roller coaster, you may lose sight of your overall goals.
Leah Nathan, Ph.D. is CGG’s Psychologist/Divorce Coach, provides clients with the emotional guidance they need during the difficult stages of divorce. She understands that people going through divorce tend to lose confidence, become overwhelmed, experience indecisiveness, and feel immobilized. Dr. Nathan focuses on the following skill sets when consulting with clients and leading the divorce support circles: developing informed decision-making strategies, resolving conflict constructively, developing resilience, managing emotions, creating a workable action plan towards achieving your goals, and envisioning the future to move forward and adapt to your new life.
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING ABOUT CGG’S DIVORCE SUPPORT CIRCLE
“I know from personal experience that it’s hard to find people who truly get what it’s like to go through a difficult separation and divorce. The Divorce Circle truly gets it. I always come away with something meaningful and hopeful.”
“Through the support and insight from a circle of other CGG clients, a safe space has been created to reassure, listen and guide one another to find the light through a dark emotional process. The group members and Leah scoop each other up where they are in the moment, as we are all in different stages of our divorce process. Leah’s experience as firm’s psychologist allows her to share insights that she has collected working with many different divorcing clients. She introduces a new focus every time we meet that encourages deep emotional healing, as well as organized decision making.”
“I have found regular one on one sessions with Leah, as well as routinely participating in CGG’s Divorce Support Group to be the single-most important source of finding my strength in this process.”
“I like refer to Leah, the firm’s Professional Divorce Coach/Psychologist, as the secret sauce (or best kept secret) of Cooper Ginsberg Gray. She offers confidential one on one hourly coaching support, as well as leading a complimentary divorce circle support group bi-weekly for clients of CGG. The value of Leah’s “secret sauce” in this process is felt throughout the process, in the very moments it you need her most. And I believe that once I come out on the other side – fully divorced and ready to start a new life for myself and my kids – the healing opportunities through Leah’s guidance will prepare me to be successful with a fresh start in life!”
HOW TO JOIN CGG’S DIVORCE SUPPORT CIRCLE
While Divorce Support Circles have traditionally been held in person, most (if not all) have moved to a virtual platform (at least for the time being). These platforms offer convenient options for people with busy schedules, transportation issues, etc.
CGG’s Divorce Coach, Dr. Leah Nathan, hosts a complimentary, virtual Divorce Support Circle every Tuesday at 6:00 PM. For more information or to join the next meeting, contact Dr. Leah Nathan at lnathan@cgglawyers.com.