Divorce

The psychological pain of the loss of a relationship is deep-seated. During a separation or divorce, many emotions come into play: confusion, anger, sadness, and fear, to name a few. Many programs in the Chicagoland area recognize the difficult nature of life at this time and offer support and guidance for you.

If you are separated, use the time of separation to reflect on what is best for you. Attend Retrouvaille (a weekend retreat for troubled marriages), and seek effective counseling from a professional.

If you are a single parent, seek help from other single parents. Attend parent education opportunities in your community, school and church. Ask for help when you need it. Click here to read more

Support Groups for Divorced Catholics

The Archdiocese of Chicago recognizes the difficult nature of life at this time and extends ministry to the separated or divorced through the Family Ministries Office. Faith and courage are needed to rebuild life after the end of a marriage. Those who have "been there" are able to offer strength and hope to newcomers. Through a network of peer support, every person is encouraged to rebuild life in the style they prefer. Click here for a list of support groups(pdf file).
For more information contact the Divorce Ministry of the Archdiocese of Chicago at 312.751.8353, e-mail divorce@archchicago.org or visit www.familyministries.org/

Divorce Recovery

Divorce Recovery is a support workshop to help those who have experienced marital or relational breakdown resolve their current struggles and identify next steps in their spiritual and emotional growth.

Divorce Recovery workshops are held three times per year for nine or ten weeks. These workshops are designed to help those who have experienced marital or relational breakdown resolve their current struggles and identify next steps in their healing process. The program consists of a 30-minute teaching followed by 90-minute group discussion time around the topic for the evening.

Divorce Recovery workshops are held on Monday nights from 7:00 – 9:00 p.m. as a part of the Willow Creek Monday Night-Life Program — a group of ministries designed entirely around community-care, self-help, group-help, and God-help programs for those facing struggles in their personal and family lives. The North Shore program meets on Tuesday nights.

The ministry operates at five locations: South Barrington, Chicago , DuPage, McHenry, and North Shore . At all but Chicago , we also offer a parallel program for your children: Oasis — A ministry for children of families struggling with marital breakdown or difficulties. Don't worry about getting a baby sitter. Bring your children with you, and give them the same opportunity you have in dealing with the pain of a family divided. Childcare through Oasis needs to be prearranged.

For more information contact the Willow Creek Community Church. 67 E. Algonquin Road, South Barrington 847.765.5000 General e-mail: info@willowcreek.org

Rainbows

Support for children in families affected by loss. RAINBOWS, an international organization, provides a bridge to emotional healing for children, adolescents, and adults confronting death, divorce or other painful family transition - "because it doesn't need to hurt forever." For more information call 847.952.1770 or visit www.rainbows.org.

School for Marriage™

School for Marriage is a relationship curriculum for couples. School for Marriage™, provides training and workshops to:

prepare couples and individuals for successful relationships

develop effective skills to sustain good relationships

teach marriage educators and couples techniques for troubled marriages

We also provide Relationship Coaching by appointment.

Mission Statement
School for Marriage™ believes in the sacredness of marital relationships and holds a vision for saving marriages. School for Marriage™ challenges couples and marriage educators to act with integrity and mutual respect. School for Marriage™ provides education, training and multiple options for achieving a good marriage.
Philosophy
School for Marriage™ believes in the sacredness of marital relationships and holds a vision for saving marriages. We believe that couples prefer marriage to divorce and need help in accomplishing this when they are in distress. We believe the role of the marriage educator is to facilitate discussion, educate the person(s), honor ambivalence when it is present and focus the couple on the relationship and their hopes for it. Through education and support, skills and techniques can be taught to individuals and couples seeking fulfilling relationships.

Our purpose
Our purpose is to prevent divorce whenever possible. Couples on the Cusp®, ambivalent and undecided partners, are taught Stay or Go Techniques® that are relevant to their marital situation. Marriage educators discover the importance of honoring their client’s ambivalence. A negotiated Controlled Separation® contract provides a structure that assists Couples on the Cusp® in slowing down and cooling down in order to make a sane decision and have fewer regrets.

This practical intervention in working with couples encourages cooperation, as adversaries become advocates. In this way hope is restored and couples are energized and inspired to reclaim their integrity and recommit to each other. In turn, children and families are spared undue trauma.

For more information: www.controlledseparation.com 708.514.7710