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.

We offer three 8 week support groups and one 12 week group.  Support groups meet once a week for two hours for eight weeks (and one group will meet for twelve weeks). Sessions are facilitated by trained professionals and based on the book Growing Through Divorce by Jim Smoke and the new video series, Divorce Care. 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 and each group is tailored to meet the needs of the pariticpants.

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.

* Expanded session -- will meet for 12 weeks

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.

Terri Worthington, LISW       

  Terri is a licensed independent Social Worker currently employed by The

  Ohio State University Extension as a Child Life Educator. She teaches parenting

  classes for divorcing couples and is part of a faculty training attorneys on children’s

  issues for the Supreme Court of Ohio.  Terri worked for Lake County Job and

  Family Services, primarily in Children’s Services, for 25 years.  She has a B.A. in

  Sociology from Kent State University, and a Masters of Science in Social 

  Administration from Case Western Reserve University.

Kate Stein, RN, LSW  Kate has a Nursing Degree from St. Joseph Hospital School of Nursing in

                                        Ft. Wayne, IN, and a BA in Psychology from Ursuline college in Pepper Pike, OH

                                        She is the Volunteer Facilitator; Virtus Protecting God’s Children for Adults

                                        Currently, Kate is the Parish Nurse St. Mary Church, Chardon and is a Spiritual

                                        Care Counselor for Senior Independence Hospice.