Features Editor

The Healthy Hope Recovery workshop will begin classes April 2, for those who have experienced the traumatic effects of divorce or separation.

The class will meet from 6:30 until 9 p.m. at Good Hope Baptist Church each Tuesday for six weeks and will be taught by instructors, who themselves have been through divorce, and have attended recovery classes.

"Divorce leaves one disillusioned and confused," said Norma Sears, workshop coordinator. "The ‘victims’ suffer through many emotional stages during the months and years following divorce. They become very distraught and do not know where or how to find resolve. In the workshop, we deal with such topic as shock and denial, anger, grief, loneliness, fear and depression."

Sears said each topic is covered extensively in an effort to equip each participant to handle these concerns themselves.

"The object is to aid the participants in returning to a normal way of life and to feel that he or she has regained their identity," she said. "Divorce causes and emotional roller coaster effect and, if the participant is not aided in understanding his or her emotions, the result could be disastrous."

Sears said extended depression could result in drug or alcohol use or in other destructive behavior.

"Our goal in Divorce Recovery is to show each person that the effects of divorce are normal although one’s reaction to them may not be normal," she said. "Our instructors hope to help or participants to reach healthy attitude about their situation and be able to adjust more quickly than if they were to go it alone.

"Since each participant is experiencing separation or divorce, we all understand and develop a camaraderie among ourselves, sharing in each other’s problems and concerns. Often, our participants will call each other and discuss concerns or offer support."

Good Hope Baptist Church sponsors the Divorce Recovery Workshop and assists with funding for the books, food and other materials. However, there is a $30 fee to help cover expenses. The fee will be waived for those who cannot pay.

"Although it may be a difficult step for one to take, it is one of the most important steps a person who is suffering from the adverse affects of divorce or separation could take," Sears said. "So, we urge everyone who is in this situation and feels they could benefit to register.

To register or for more information call 566-1006, 807-6056 or 566-2671.