Buck Isolation: The Unique Benefits of Group Support

Of course, there are some things always better done alone – pooping, naked vacuuming, talking to yourself. And there are some things that are especially freeing to do alone – binge watching, traveling, dancing. However, sometimes one finds themselves doing a thing too often faced alone that would benefit from a sense of community and the varied perspectives of a group. As a Certified Divorce Coach, I believe that navigating co-parenting as part of a two-household family is one of those things.

This month I will lead the first meeting of a six-session, online Co-Parenting Group. One-on-one coaching with a Certified Divorce Coach – the foundation of my practice – provides the client with a knowledgeable partner as they organize their thoughts and prepare the materials to move through and beyond separation and divorce. On the co-parenting front, one-on-one support is ideal for developing a parenting plan, structuring a “code of conduct” that serves the client’s particular family situation, etc. However, a group support setting offers distinctive benefits that lend themselves especially well to ideas and motivation for more productive day-to-day co-parenting.

By participating in a co-parenting group, one is entering a community of kindred vulnerability. A group of parents specifically gathered to share their co-parenting challenges, hoping to find new, better ways through them, is a very special place to bring a frustrated, weary, hopeful heart. Unlike sharing with trusted friends or family – who may be eager to listen and offer support, but also apt to be protective without question – a group, with the purpose of unpacking and questioning a shared challenge, is poised for inspired ideas and motivation.

At the very least, hearing the stories of other parents will reduce one’s sense that they are alone with their co-parenting troubles. Sharing in return will create connection and make new ideas and tools available to everyone listening. All of this done together is an opportunity to relate to others on a complicated topic in healthy, supportive ways.

Accountability is a meaningful aspect of one-on-one coaching that also has the potential to take special shape in a group. Motivation activated by a sense of camaraderie will be cultivated by a group. As a result, participants may feel particularly encouraged to experiment with a new approach or to act from new perspective gained in a group – especially knowing they will have a supportive environment to return to and reflect on the results.

Parenting can emotionally undo any human. Co-parenting adds a unique twist that ups the ante. That said, I believe that co-parenting challenges also have the potential to elevate one’s parenting and deeply anchor a person’s sense of self. It does so by asking us to call on our most fundamental values… again and again and again. Things that require endurance, that benefit from camaraderie with confidentiality, and are enhanced by varied perspectives are well served by a group. I’m excited to guide and learn in an atmosphere with such dynamic potential.

For more information about my upcoming Co-Parenting Group (Online Meetings) visit: https://www.allyindivorce.com/groupsupport/p/co-parenting-group