Divorce Support Group
Alexander Mediation Group offers a free monthly online divorce and separation support group. The group has been running for over 12 years, and has provided a confidential, steady, and welcoming space for individuals navigating divorce, separation, or the contemplation of significant relationship change.
RSVP required to attend.
The group is facilitated by Rachel Alexander, Esq., founder and director of Alexander Mediation Group, and a practitioner certified in Focusing-Oriented Therapy. The group is designed to support reflection, connection, and emotional steadiness—without pressure to reach conclusions or make decisions before you are ready. The group is geared towards residents of New York and New Jersey, however, everyone is welcome.
Help is on the way!
Disclaimer: The purpose of this group is for peer support only. This group is not a forum for legal advice nor will attendance at one or more groups establish an attorney/client relationship between any participant and Rachel Alexander or Alexander Mediation Group. The purpose of the group is to address a perceived need in the community and is not a solicitation for legal services.
This divorce support group in NY & NJ is open to those currently struggling with divorce-related issues. Whether in the midst of divorce, on the verge, or ten years out of a divorce, this group is a resource for anyone experiencing divorce-related problems. Issues discussed are tailored to the needs of participants. Topics include issues surrounding custody and co-parenting, communicating effectively with ex-spouses, and managing ongoing financial entanglements. However, in our open format we also discuss topics relevant to current events – both personal and global – such as isolation during the pandemic, building social support networks post-divorce, reconnecting with one’s self, interests and passions, and understanding and preparing for upcoming legal events.
When navigating the rough and unfamiliar terrain of divorce, it’s important to be accompanied by both fellow voyagers and expert guides.
Our Divorce Support Group In New York & New Jersey Is Facilitated By Professionals
Confidentiality
Facilitated by Rachel Alexander, Esq., CFP (Certified Focusing Professional), this peer support group is a confidential place to openly discuss divorce-related problems and receive feedback from Ms. Alexander, guest professionals in law and related fields, and other group participants who have dealt with similar situations.
The Trouble with Divorce
Although divorce is no longer uncommon, it is still often an alienating and isolating experience. Marriage continues to be associated with social structure and status, financial security, and belonging. Even when a marriage is ending for good reason, divorce is often disconcerting and disorienting. The loss of not only the marital relationship, but all that surrounds it and is defined by it, can be profoundly unsettling.
Would I Benefit from the Divorce Support Group if I’m already in Individual Therapy?
Aloneness is best mollified by coming together in a group — that is one of the reasons we believed a divorce support group in NY & NJ was necessary. In a divorce support group, listening and sharing with others in similar circumstances can be constructive and normalizing. Constructive in that problems are discussed and addressed and practical information and advice are shared. Normalizing to be among others who are having similar life challenges and responses to them; normalizing to understand and be understood.
Participating with others in an inclusive, friendly and accepting atmosphere provides a particular experience that most people find healing. Participants gain an empirical knowing of how very unalone they are. Coming together in this way, isolation is shattered, and the sense that one’s experience falls outside of the norm is quickly diminished. Regardless of what is shared, others nod in recognition, identification, often moved to share encouragement, input and of course, support. The compassionate nourishment of others accelerates the healing process. While our support group is by no means a substitution for individual therapy, it offers something different, that can be a helpful adjunct to both therapy and other therapeutic modalities, and is intended to be utilized in conjunction with regular, ongoing support tailored to an individual’s needs.
You Can Get Support In This Unique Divorce Support Group That Family Members Often Can’t Provide
While some people are blessed with supportive family and friends, many find that their ordinary support systems fall short when it comes to their divorce. Sometimes even a substantial support system feels insufficient when it comes to the overwhelming, ongoing crises presented by divorce. Certainly, the more comprehensive and multifaceted your support group, the better. However, in order to sufficiently address divorce-related issues, and the complex emotional, even traumatic life event, most require the addition of a professional, therapeutic component to their support system . A support group offers a therapeutic, helping community – the group itself offers one curative component of the healing process.
Regardless of how plentiful (or wanting) your available reinforcements seem, having additional support during this time is always advisable.
When you feel supported, you are more able to make grounded decisions and give more to those who depend upon you. This makes finding a divorce support group in NY & NJ even more critical.
Sharing concerns, feelings and experiences in a confidential, open, non-judgmental environment can be productive—it can help you alleviate isolation and increase perspective and hope.
How Our Divorce Support Group In NY & NJ Works
A CONSISTENT AND COMPASSIONATE STRUCTURE
Opening Attunement (approximately 5 minutes)
Each meeting begins with a brief, focusing-style attunement—a simple guided meditation that helps participants arrive fully, settle into the space, and cultivate mindfulness. This opening invites an accepting, open, and compassionate orientation toward oneself and others.
Sharing and Listening
Participants who wish to share are invited to do so. There is no requirement to speak, and listening is always a meaningful form of participation.
When someone shares, they are encouraged to indicate how they would like to be listened to. This may include:
• Simply being heard, without feedback
• Receiving reflections or suggestions
• Inviting others to share similar experiences
• Asking questions of the group
Mindful Time Awareness
Depending on the size of the group, participants are asked to keep their shares to a couple of minutes. There is no expectation to tell your entire story. Sharing a small piece of what is present right now is more than enough.
Closing and Looking Ahead
We conclude by saying farewell and, for those who wish, briefly naming an intention or focus for the coming month. We also confirm the date of the next meeting, which is always listed on the website.
WHAT THIS GROUP IS — AND IS NOT
This group is confidential, facilitated, and supportive rather than directive. It is appropriate for individuals contemplating separation or divorce, in the midst of divorce, or adjusting afterward.
This group is not therapy, legal advice, or a forum for debate.
STAYING CONNECTED
Participants are invited to sign up through the website to receive meeting reminders, the link for the next session, and the Alexander Mediation Group newsletter. Attendance is flexible, and participants are welcome to attend when it feels supportive to do so.
Meeting Details
Free of charge. RSVP required to attend
When:
Meetings are held monthly on Mondays (usually the second Monday of the month), 6:30 - 7:45 PM Eastern.
Please note upcoming meeting schedule so you can mark your calendars in advance!
2026 Divorce Support Group Dates:
Where:
Conducted Online via Video Conference, Using Zoom.
Before the Call:
Install Zoom by clicking here.
At the time of the meeting, all you need to do is click on the link you received via email and the meeting will start for you.
Please choose a private quiet place for our meeting. Use earphones if possible.
Prefer not to be on video? You can turn off your camera. If you cannot join by computer, you can use your smart phone to join the meeting or simply call in by phone.
Sign up for the support group email list here to receive the AMG monthly reminder emails and Zoom links to attend meetings.
If you have not received the link, please contact Rachel at 908-310-3397 as soon as possible and before 6:30pm on the night of the meeting.