Join us as we provide a supportive space to explore emotions, practical considerations, and empowerment strategies for those navigating the complexities of this life-altering decision.
Group Type: Decision Focused Group
Group Goals: The goal of the group is to understand and voice out what it means to contemplate legal separation. We aim to create a safe space for individuals going through a difficult time in their marriage, where we can explore what it truly means to contemplate divorce and discuss potential steps moving forward.
Glimpse of the Regime:
Week 1: Introduction and Sharing Personal Narratives
- Establishing a safe environment for participants to express their feelings and reasons for contemplating divorce.
- Encouraging open dialogue about each participant’s experiences and concerns. Reflective Homework Assignment
Week 2: Assessment of the State of the Marriage
- Introducing assessments from the Gottman Method to identify areas of strength and concern.
- Educating participants on how to determine when it is time to leave, or if couples therapy towards reconciliation is still a viable option. Reflective Homework Assignment
Week 3: Exploring Pros and Cons of Divorce
- Discussing the factors in favor of, and against ending the marriage.
- Addressing myths and misconceptions regarding marriage laws, divorce process, etc.
- Providing guidance on concerns related to mutual consent and contested divorce, sole vs joint custody, maintenance, and alimony. Reflective Homework Assignment
Week 4: Developing Future Plans and Decision-Making
- Encouraging participants to create an amicable plan for moving forward, whether together or separately.
- Emphasizing the importance of seeking individual and couples counseling (if desired) for ongoing support and guidance. Reflective Homework Assignment
Please note that the session topics, order, and other details may be subject to change based on the needs and preferences of the group members and facilitators.
Facilitator Bio:
Paras is co-founder and Director at The Alternative Story – a mental health startup based out of Bengaluru.
He holds a Master’s Degree in Counselling and is soon to complete a Doctorate in Counselling Psychology.
In a career spanning over 12+ years – he has worked in hospitals, helplines, corporate mental health organizations and academic institutions. He has helped set up India’s largest counselling helpline run by trained mental health professionals and has helped set up and train government helplines to address Violence Against Women in states such as Gujarat, Maharashtra, and Uttar Pradesh. He has worked in association with government and non-government organizations at the grassroots in the states of Madhya Pradesh, Rajasthan, and Tamil Nadu to enhance community mental health.
Through this group, Paras has been helping individuals through the complex decision-making process of contemplating divorce, providing a non-judgmental space to explore their feelings, values, and options. With deep expertise in managing relationships, he supports participants in making thoughtful, informed choices about how they want to navigate this decision.
Paras lives with mental illness and chronic illness and is currently engaged in awareness building and research on the same.
