Divorce is hard. Certainly harder than I ever imagined. And as a woman navigating new motherhood, the early days of the pandemic, and divorce at the same time, I walked away from the experience with some notes. You do not need to walk this road alone. Here is a list of some of my most useful healing resources so that you might not feel as alone as I did at the start.
1. Oona Metz divorce support groups
I came across the website for Oona Metz divorce support groups after realizing I had outgrown my new moms group (run all online during the pandemic) and was ready for some support among women who did not have partners and were navigating new and complicated family structures. I was seeking emotional support, logistical support, and legal help, and I was aching to be in the company and sisterhood of women who “got it.”
I remember feeling like I had come home after one session. I highly recommend reaching out to Oona Metz — who has offices in Brookline and Arlington — if you are seeking a therapy-based and life-changing sisterhood support group. She has a long waitlist for the various groups she runs, and she will do an intake to thoughtfully place you in a group with women who will best support you.
2. Jane Does Well
This amazing Boston-based women-led organization has a full calendar of support groups as well as social groups and events that are therapeutic and educational. I have attended events and a few support groups and info sessions over the years and highly recommend this organization. They are an unbelievably great resource for women who might not know where to start and are seeking advice and social support from women.
3. Jewish Family & Children’s Services
For the new moms during divorce, find a Zoom or in-person support group! My original moms group was run on Zoom by JF&CS, and they also have a full community calendar for families and moms. You do not need to be Jewish to attend! Many local community, synagogue, church, and religious organizations offer wonderful programs that foster healing within their community.
4. Solo Parent Society
This is a Christian-based ministry that I stumbled upon and learned from during their daily online single parent groups. The social support section of their website has also really helped me — and many other single parents — through some hard times. You are not alone.
5. Podcasts about divorce
If you are like me, you might have felt overwhelmed or uncomfortable having a whole bunch of informative books on single parenting lying around. I took to podcasts to learn! (If books are more your thing, though, I know some women who download audiobooks to listen to on walks or while driving or commuting.)
Here are a few of my favorite podcasts: Single Mother Survival Guide, Divorced Not Dead by Caroline Stanbury, Solo Parent Life, Single Mom Nation, and Solo Parent by AccessMore.
