Empowered New Beginnings

Women’s Divorce & Separation Support Group

Separation and divorce can shake every part of your life—your identity, confidence, routines, finances, physical health, and sense of safety. This therapist-led women’s group is designed to help you process the emotional weight of relationship breakdown, feel less alone, and move forward with greater clarity, steadiness, and support.

If you are carrying betrayal, grief, fear, shame, anger, confusion, or the exhausting pressure of trying to hold everything together, this group offers a compassionate place to land

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Support For Women

Who This Group Is For

This group may be a fit for women who are:

Going through separation or divorce
Healing from betrayal trauma or infidelity
Struggling with financial stress or fear about the future.
Feeling the physical effects of prolonged stress, such as anxiety, sleep issues, tension, exhaustion, or burnout.
Carrying grief, shame, rejection, or feelings of failure.
Trying to make important decisions while emotionally overwhelmed.
Wanting support from women who understand what this kind of pain feels like

Balanced Life Therapy describes its women’s group as a safe and nurturing space where women can connect, share experiences, and support one another in a non-judgmental environment.

You Are Not Alone

Even though separation can feel intensely private, many women are navigating similar pain behind closed doors. Statistics Canada reported 42,933 divorces granted in Canada in 2020—a reminder that divorce is common even when the emotional experience feels deeply isolating.

You are not weak for feeling overwhelmed. You are responding to a major life transition, and meaningful support can help.

Hope and Healing

What This Group Can Help With

This group is designed to help women:

Process the emotional impact of separation and divorce.
Work through betrayal, grief, and loss.
Trying to make important decisions while emotionally overwhelmed.
Reduce shame and self-blame.
Strengthen self-worth and confidence
Build tools for emotional regulation and steadier decision-making.
Feel supported, understood, and less alone.
Stay accountable to healing, boundaries, and next steps.

The Worthy Women’s Group offers guided expert-led sessions, practical too

Facilitated by Cindy McAfee and Deirdre Maloney

Cindy McAfee

Cindy McAfee, Founder of Balanced Life Therapy, has over 15 years of experience helping individuals, couples, and families navigate difficult life transitions. Her warm, client-centred approach combines evidence-based practices with authenticity and compassion.

Deirdre Maloney

Deirdre Maloney co-facilitates the group with Cindy, bringing empathy, encouragement, and a genuine commitment to helping women feel heard and understood. Together, they provide a safe and supportive space for healing, growth, and connection during times of transition.

Featuring Select Guest Speakers

Giulia Papa – Family Lawyer & Accredited Family Mediator

Giulia Papa is a family lawyer and Accredited Family Mediator with the Ontario Association for Family Mediation, whose accreditation is recognized in Ontario as a professional standard for family mediation. She holds an LL.B. from the University of Kent, was called to the Ontario Bar in 2020, and holds a Certificate in Dispute Resolution from Osgoode Hall Law School.

Giulia is also trained in child-inclusive mediation and is a Voice of the Child practitioner. In her mediation practice, she facilitates productive, balanced discussions and prepares clear, comprehensive mediation agreements. Her approach is child-centred, trauma-aware, and grounded in dignity, clarity, and collaboration.

Dr. Stefania Tiveron – Naturopathic Doctor

Dr. Stefania Tiveron is a Naturopathic Doctor who helps people connect the dots between their symptoms and the deeper imbalances in their body. Her approach is grounded in personalized care and the understanding that healing happens where biology, mindset, and daily habits meet.

Stefania’s path into naturopathic medicine was shaped by her grandfather’s battle with lung cancer, which sparked her commitment to preventative, proactive, and patient-centred care. She focuses on stress resilience, hormonal transitions, digestive wellness, immune support, and metabolic health.

In a guest session, Stefania may speak about the physical effects of prolonged stress during separation, including sleep disruption, hormone-related symptoms, burnout, and whole-person healing.

Common fears about joining

You may be thinking:

What if I cry in front of strangers?
What if I do not know what to say?
What if I am not ready?
What if my story feels too messy or too painful?
What if everyone else seems further along than I am?

These fears are normal. Balanced Life Therapy describes its women’s group as a supportive, judgment-free space where women can share experiences and grow in community without fear of judgment.

You do not need to show up polished, certain, or ready to share everything. You can begin exactly where you are.

Common Concerns

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this group therapy or a support group?

This is a therapist-led support group that combines emotional support, guided discussion, reflection, and practical coping tools. Balanced Life Therapy describes its groups as guided and supportive spaces for healing and growth.

Do I have to talk in every session?

No. You can participate at your own pace. The intention is to create safety, not pressure. Balanced Life Therapy emphasizes a nurturing and non-judgmental group environment.

Is this just for legally divorced women?

No. This group is for women navigating separation, divorce, betrayal, or the emotional fallout of a major relationship rupture

Are Giulia Papa and Dr. Stefania Tiveron facilitators?

No. The group is facilitated by Cindy McAfee and Deirdre Maloney. Giulia Papa and Dr. Stefania Tiveron may join select sessions as guest speakers. Balanced Life Therapy’s current group page lists Cindy and Deirdre as the hosts.

What if I’m feeling ashamed or overwhelmed?

That is exactly the kind of experience many women bring into a group like this. Balanced Life Therapy’s group messaging emphasizes support, self-compassion, and healing in a judgment-free community.

What if my relationship is taking the hit from the job?

That is one of the most common reasons people finally reach out. The job can show up at home as irritability, distance, silence, defensiveness, conflict, or feeling like your partner gets whatever is left of you. BLT includes Gottman-informed couples work through Cindy McAfee, which makes room for both the impact of trauma and the work of repairing or strengthening the relationship.

Will there be practical support too?

Yes. In addition to emotional support, the group can include practical insights through select guest sessions related to health, mediation, and navigating separation-related challenges.

You’re Not Alone in This

If you are moving through separation, divorce, betrayal, or the collapse of the life you thought you were building, this group offers support, structure, and connection with women who understand.