How Do I Choose the Best Marriage Support Group?

When evaluating marriage support groups, you should involve your spouse in the decision-making process. The two of you should consider your reasons for seeking a marriage support group and should carefully evaluate your options. If you plan on attending a marriage support group on your own, you should ask the leader of the group whether this is permissible. Other things to consider include the group's structure, its facilitation and whether it is affiliated with a particular religious organization. Finally, consider logistical factors, such as the location and timing of group meetings as well as whether there is any charge for participating in the group.

Think about the type of support group format with which you are most comfortable. In some cases, a marriage support group might be led by laypeople, and others are facilitated by mental health professionals or members of the clergy. If you find a group that sounds interesting, ask whether it is possible to attend a group meeting before deciding to join the group officially.

Choosing a support group is often a challenge, particularly if you are concerned about your marriage — and especially if you are facing the possibility of divorce. It often is a good idea to ask others for referrals to a good marriage support group. A clergy person, counselor or medical doctor might be able to suggest some alternatives. You also can ask your friends whether they can recommend a group. If it is important to you that a marriage support group be religiously affiliated, you may want to look at literature produced by your religious organization for information on options for support groups and counseling.

Before joining a group, contact the leader of the group and ask for information about how the group operates. Ask about the composition of the group and whether it is open to couples only or to both couples and spouses who participate on their own. You also should ask about the ages of group members and whether the group primarily works with those who are having marital difficulties or whether the group exists primarily to provide general support. You also can ask about special circumstances, such as whether the group is open to same-sex couples. If one marriage support group doesn't sound like what you are looking for, ask the leader for a referral to a more suitable group.