Conducting a Children's Divorce Group: One Approach

Abstract

The disruptive period around the time of the divorce can shatter a child's entire living milieu. An 8-week experiential children's group incorporating art and creative activities as well as a concurrent parent group is described. The aim of treatment was to bolster children's abilities to communicate with parents and other caretakers. Overall, participants were observed to effectively release painful affect, communicate more openly, and identify strengths in their family systems. Yalom's therapeutic group factors were incorporated into the treatment model. The research of Davies and Cummings related to children in the context of family therapy was also considered. Group leaders included advance practice registered nurses. Follow-up objective data collected from participants might provide further information about the efficacy of the interventions.

Parents' experiences of their child's participation in divorce groups in Norway: A phenomenological study

“…By providing help to parents and children at an early stage during the divorce process, the group leader might prevent unfavourable long-term changes in attachment styles and resilience [41]. Educating parents on the importance of being available to the child, communicate in a civilised manner with the ex-partner and protect the child from stormy encounters and instability are described as important [42]. Bertelsen [43] describes that parents' struggle for good parenthood can be explained in terms of symmetry.…”