The pains of divorce and separation are real, but they don't have to last. For many, making a New Year's resolution to attend a DivorceCare group has been the key to healing.

Contact: Kathy Leonard, Editorial Director, Church Initiative, 800-395-5755 ext 231, kleonard@churchinitiative.org

WAKE FOREST, N.C., Dec. 26, 2013 /Christian Newswire/ -- For people facing the pain of divorce or separation, the New Year is a good time to commit to the healing process. A marital breakup can be devastating for the individuals going through it, as it affects emotions, self-esteem, children, finances and energy levels. With so much personal upheaval, most people going through divorce are unsure of how to find healing from the hurt, and hope for the future.

Many experience a breakthrough in this process by attending a DivorceCare divorce recovery support group. More than 15,000 churches nationwide and internationally are equipped to offer DivorceCare programs.

Steve Grissom, founder and president of DivorceCare, believes the start of a New Year is a great time to put a plan in place to find healing: "A key step in healing is anticipating a brighter future, instead of focusing on the hurts of the past. Joining a DivorceCare group is a proactive step in that direction."

The groups are made up of people who understand the depth of emotions, the questions "Why?" and the desperation often faced by those in a divorce or separation. Because they have this understanding, they won't judge the decisions, emotions or actions of those who come.

"I came into the program with fear of rejection and was welcomed with open arms," said Heidi, a participant in Warren, MI. "People totally understood what I was going through."

These biblically based support groups are designed to be led by trained, mature facilitators who've experienced divorce or separation. They can help answer questions posed by group participants and point people to practical and spiritual help to aid the healing process.

A typical group meeting begins with a video seminar featuring insights from Christian experts on divorce and recovery subjects, and profiles of people who've experienced healing after a divorce or separation. Featured experts include H. Norman Wright, Dr. Jim Talley, Dr. Tony Evans, Dave Ramsey and Dr. Linda Mintle. After viewing the video, DivorceCare group members participate in a moderated small group time to discuss concepts learned on the video and to share personal struggles and victories (sharing is optional).

Find a DivorceCare group near you at www.divorcecare.org/findagroup. Or call 800-489-7778.