Divorce Recovery Seminars

Sponored by

St. John Vianney Catholic Church

Meet Jerry Mellin


CCC Rebuilders

St. John Vianney Catholic Church has been providing support for many years to those struggling in the Divorce process. CCC Rebuilders is the official Rebuilding Seminar for Walnut Creek and Surrounding Cities of Contra Costa County. The Church is now offering world-class Fisher Divorce Recovery Seminars to Catholics and the community at large. We provide classes and coaching to dramatically accelerate your recovery and provide lifelong tools that will enable you to turn the page and start a new chapter on your life that is deeply satisfying.

Meet Jerry Mellin

Certified Fisher Divorce Recovery Facilitator

Jerry Mellin is a Certified Fisher Rebuilding Seminars(TM) Facilitator. He has sponsored a Divorced & Separated Support Group open to the public for the past several years and he has worked with engaged couples for over 10 years and led the development of SJVs Engaged Couples Retreat for marriage prep. He also meets individually with couples preparing for marriage. Jerry is passionate about helping couples build healthy marriages. By offering Fisher Rebuilding Seminars Jerry offers hope to those who have experienced a divorce to be able to build new healthy thriving relationships in the future. While Jerry acts as a teacher and coach in this context, he is licensed as a Marriage & Family Therapist in the state of California. In his capacity as a therapist, Jerry is trained in two different couple modalities.

Why I do this

I personally experienced a divorce early in life and found this to be perhaps the most difficult thing I have ever dealt with. Were it not for the help I received I am not sure if I would have grown nearly as much as I have been able to. After my first year of leading the SJV Divorced & Separated Support Group I began to envision a course on divorce recovery. After some research, I discovered the Fisher Rebuilding Seminars(TM). I knew at once that this was something we needed to offer the community.

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Seeking the Right Support

Divorce Demystified: Discovering the Ideal Path - Support Groups or Recovery Seminars?

November 10, 20234 min read

Divorce Demystified: Discovering the Ideal Path - Support Groups or Recovery Seminars/Workshops?

Introduction: Embracing Support in Divorce Recovery

Divorce is undeniably one of life's most challenging experiences typically ranking 2nd behind the death of a loved one. The emotional rollercoaster can leave one feeling lost and overwhelmed. Fortunately, there are avenues of support available, tailored to your unique needs. In this article, we'll explore the differences between Divorce Support Groups and Divorce Recovery Seminars/Workshops, helping you find the right path toward healing.

Defining Divorce Support Groups: A Shoulder to Lean On

Divorce Support Groups are like a warm embrace during a storm. These gatherings offer a safe space where you can openly share your feelings, fears, and triumphs with others who truly understand. Think of it as a circle of friends who become your pillars of strength. One of the key defining characteristics of a support group is that the participants are encouraged to share and learn from each other.

Some Divorce Support Groups are timebound while others are ongoing. Many offer loosely structured curriculum while others offer a formal set of topics. Another variable among groups is the level of training the leaders have. In many cases the leaders may have no training but are just caring people motivated to help others. In other cases, the group may be led by a mental health professional. If this matters to you I would encourage you to do some research before joining a group.

Benefits of Divorce Support Groups

  • Shared Experiences: Hearing others' stories reminds you that you're not alone in your struggles.

  • Emotional Catharsis: Expressing your emotions in a supportive environment can be incredibly liberating.

  • Sense of Community: Building connections with people going through similar situations fosters a sense of belonging.

  • Some helpful Content: Presentation of relevant topics. Content can vary greatly so do some research before joining a group.

I have personally witnessed numerous people find immense comfort from support groups. Sharing their stories helped them to heal and gave them the courage to face the future. I have also witnessed a number of group participants who were grateful for the group but who still needed a higher level of support and a much longer exposure to the support group for healing to take place.

Understanding Divorce Recovery Workshops: Guided Healing and Growth

Divorce Recovery Seminars/Workshops tend to present well organized and structured material tailored to the emotional needs of those who are divorcing. Generally led by experienced and well-trained facilitators, these workshops offer structured activities and therapeutic techniques, guiding you toward healing and personal growth. In some cases, they also offer individual coaching.

Benefits of Divorce Recovery Workshops

  • Structured Approach: Workshops offer a step-by-step process for emotional healing and personal discovery.

  • Expert Guidance: Skilled facilitators provide personalized attention, offering coping strategies and tools for transformation.

  • Deep Emotional Healing: Formal psychological interventions and mindfulness can promote profound emotional healing.

  • Coaching: Access to coaching is often included.

Feedback from workshop participants often suggests that workshops equip participants with coping skills and a newfound sense of self-worth, empowering them to embrace life after divorce. The structured approach and the level of facilitator training appear to offer a greater potential for healing.

Choosing the Right Option: A Personal Decision

The choice between a Support Group and a Recovery Seminar/Workshop depends on your individual needs and preferences. Consider your emotional state, learning style, and commitment level.

Support Groups or Workshops: Which Is Right for You?

  • Support Groups: Ideal for those seeking immediate emotional support and a sense of community.

  • Recovery Seminars/Workshops: Suited for individuals looking for a structured approach, expert guidance, and transformative healing.

Conclusion: Embracing the Journey Ahead

In the realm of divorce recovery, no one-size-fits-all solution exists. Both Support Groups and Recovery Seminars/Workshops offer invaluable support. It's about finding what resonates with you, guiding you toward healing, resilience, and a brighter tomorrow.

Remember, your healing journey is unique. Embrace the support that aligns with your needs, and know that, with the right companions by your side, you can weather the storm and emerge stronger, wiser, and ready for a new chapter in life. If you initially choose a support group, you can always move to a recovery seminar/workshop if you want more help.

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Jerry Mellin

Divorce Coach and Certified Fisher Rebuilder Seminar (TM) Facilitator

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