Support Groups

Separation and divorce are some of the most painful and stressful experiences you will ever face. Feelings of isolation and confusion are often common. We have learned that sharing these feelings and experiences with others can be especially helpful. Knowing that you are not alone and being with those who understand the hurt and pain you are going though helps you face these challenges and move toward rebuilding your life.

It is with this idea in mind that we have designed our limited term support group. Its purpose is to provide direction and support and allows participants to discover recovery is possible along with personal growth and new hope. You become stronger through the support and encouragement of others.

Support groups meet once a week for two hours for eight weeks. Sessions are facilitated by trained professionals and based on the book Growing Through Divorce by Jim Smoke. The topics that are covered during the eight weeks are listed below. Each session includes time for discussion and sharing. All support groups are conducted in a confidential and caring environment.

You are invited to join us for discussions on topics that address:

   • The stages of recovery
   • Handling broken relationships
   • Taking responsibility for your own future
   • Learning to live in peace
   • Finding and experiencing forgiveness
   • Discovering your inner strengths
   • Building a new life and healthy relationships

Our goal is to help you on your journey toward healing and recovery.

Pre-registration and further information can be obtained through Catholic Charities: Geauga County 440-285-3537 or 1-800-242-9755; Lake County 440-352-6191.  There is no charge for the support group.

Our Facilitators:

William H. Glover, M.A.
Bill has a Bachelor’s Degree from Borromeo College and a Master’s Degree in Counseling from John Carroll University. Throughout his career, he has focused on working with troubled adolescents and their families. In this capacity, Bill’s work has involved both intensive in-home and individual and family outpatient therapy.

Bill has been facilitating support groups and workshops for the Lake-Geauga District Ministry for the Divorced and Separated since 2001.

Sheldon Hess, LPCC

  Sheldon has a BA in Psychology from Duquesne University and  MA in Mental  

  Health Counseling from Wright State University.  For the past eleven years, he has 

  worked at Crossroads, providing counseling services to children, adolescents and

  their families.

 Sheldon is a member of St. John Vianney Parish in Mentor and teaches first and

  second graders in the PSR Program.

Anna Tyyrrell, LSW, LPC

                                        Anna has a BA in Psychology from Lake Erie College and an Master's degree in    

                                        Counseling from Cleveland State University.  She is a licensed social worker and

                                        licensed professional counselor.  Anna has spent over 25 years working with

                                        issues related to interpersonal conflict and family crisis for children and adults. 

                                        She has presented workshops locally and nationally on these issues.

                                        Anna has worked with a number of non-profit agencies professionally and as a

                                        volunteer.   She currently has a private practice in downtown Willoughby providing

                                        counseling, mediation, training, and divorce support services.