The story is, unfortunately, all too common: The person you have been married to for 10, 20 or 30-plus years suddenly announces he or she no longer loves you and wants out of the marriage. Or perhaps you discover evidence of infidelity.

Sometimes, there are warning signs, but in many cases, you are blindsided when a seemingly healthy marriage is no longer the case.

No matter the circumstances, separation and divorce is emotionally devastating, and can be overwhelming without some outside support. In some cases, family and friends can be a resource, but what better source of support than others who are also experiencing the raw pain of separation or divorce?

You no longer have to "go it alone." On Sundays, our Separated/Divorced support group meets at Community Church of Providence, 372 Wayland Avenue, Providence, at 12:15 PM. The church is located at the corner of Wayland and Lloyd Avenues, on Providence's East Side.

DivorceCare is a national, Christian-based program that meets through support groups sponsored by local churches, but all other faiths are welcome.

The program deals with a different topic each week, including anger, depression, loneliness and financial survival. The sessions, which last between an hour-and-a-half to two hours, begin with a short video on that week's topic. The videos feature interviews with experts on divorce and recovery topics, as well as people who have been through divorce themselves. The sessions offer practical advice and suggestions on how to deal with each issue.

After the video, there will be time for discussion. Each person will have an opportunity to talk about their situation, emotions and concerns relative to their separation or divorce. After each person is finished speaking, others may respond with helpful advice or suggestions, or just to offer emotional support. Regular participants often find they become like a family and look forward to their weekly fellowship with other group members. Participants update each other on their progress and struggles, as well as support and uplift each other.

The group meets in a quiet, private room, in an informal, relaxed setting. Snacks and coffee will be provided, as well as free child care.

Although there is no cost to attend the weekly sessions, participants are required to obtain the DivorceCare workbook, which follows the video series and allows group members to take notes, keep a journal, track their emotional states and read Bible passages that can help heal the pain of divorce and offer comfort. There is a $20 charge for the workbook. But, the benefit of the workbook is that participants can refer to it daily to encourage them in between weekly sessions.

The group is organized and led by members of the Community Church of Providence. Many of the organizers have experienced the pain of divorce themselves and can offer an empathetic, "been there" perspective.