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Creative Interventions for Children of Divorce. By: Liana Lowenstein, MSW (Web) www.lianalowenstein.com (email) lianalowenstein@gmail.com. Many children are referred to therapy to help them adjust to divorce. They typically feel vulnerable and overwhelmed by conflicting emotions.
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- Background of Program
- Goals
- Objectives
- How does this work?
- Evaluations to group members
- Research on Children of Divorce
- Session 1 - Universality
- Session 2 – Exploring Ideas and Family Situations
- Session 3 – Legal Aspects of Divorce
- Session 4 - Feelings
- Session 5 – Coping Skills
- Session 6 – Self-Esteem
- Session 7 – Stepfamilies and termination
- Final items for Group
- Things to remember
- Things to remember, cont’d
- Things to remember, cont’d
- Things to remember, cont’d
- Most Important
- References
Curriculum was born out of Florida Ninth Circuit Court program for high-conflict divorced parents Saw the unmet needs of children – grant funded, no cost to family or school Core strategy – provide 7-week support group to help children understand and cope with the realities, stresses and emotions of divorce within the family
Increase protective coping skills for children who have experienced divorce or separation Improve children’s appropriate expression of emotions about their family situation and resulting transition Foster positive self-esteem and resiliency in children Enhance parental ability to understand the needs of children and families experiencing divorce.
Teach age-appropriate coping skills to children that relate to identified problems and stressors through the provision of a supportive group therapy cycle; Encourage, teach and normalize positive feeling expression to children that encompasses themes commonly reported in the literature as well as by the participants, i.e., self-blame, anger, grief,...
Children participate in age-appropriate activities such as discussion, role-playing, drawing pictures, storytelling, reading and playing games to express their emotions about the divorce. In a supportive environment, they can share experiences, establish common bonds and learn skills that will increase their ability to cope in the aftermath of divo...
Pre- and post- evaluations surveys to parents/teachers Aimed at determining change in child’s behavior in the areas of coping skills, adjustment to changes, social skills, school functioning and negative feelings before and after the group cycle.
Greater risk for developing unhealthy coping skills, not succeeding (or completing) in school, and fostering a negative sense of self. • Research has repeatedly shown that it is not the divorce itself, but the co-parenting relationship and resolution of the divorce process that impacts the emotional health of the children.
Group cohesion Icebreakers Forms Group rules Emphasize confidentiality Promote safety and rapport
Activities My Family after Divorce Before and After What I Think About Divorce Objectives Normalize incidence of divorce Demystify ideas about divorce Explore member’s perspective of family after divorce
Activities What do These Words Mean? Legal Matching/Find-a-Word So Many Changes Objectives Explain divorce process Clarify terms about divorce Normalize changes resulting from divorce
Activities Feelings Rules My Feelings Balloon Feelings Charades Objectives Identification of various feelings Address and normalize feelings related to divorce Teach feelings rules
Activities What to do with my feelings What’s On My Mind, Take the Coping Challenge, Coping Chain “I” Messages Objectives Teach appropriate expression of feelings Teach positive coping skills Teach and reinforce “I” statements
Activities Positive Word List – name game What I Like About Me Self-esteem bingo Objectives Increase sense of self-worth Encourage maintenance of high self-esteem Teach positive affirmations
Activities Dear Mom and Dad...I Need Ideas About Stepfamilies Match-up Game Objectives Emphasize positive aspects of stepfamilies Encourage positive coping skills Teach and validate positive communication with parents and stepparents
Certificates of completion Party – snacks and games Process feelings of termination of group
If you are going through a divorce, first and foremost remember that it is a family process, not just an individual event. Children within the same family experience the divorce differently, i.e., siblings may take sides. Don’t force children to ever take sides. Keep children’s lives and daily activities as normal as possible with little or no disr...
Do not disparage the other parent – this disparages the child because he/she is part of both of you and the child internalizes that they must be bad if parent “is bad.” • Do your best to show up at child’s plays, concerts, school meetings, and ideally, aligned with other parent. This will show child that together you both agree that they are most i...
Work hard at keeping similar rules for both houses; when this is not possible, let child know they must respect both. • Keep dating life separate from children. They do not benefit from having “revolving door” of new people in their lives. If a serious relationship evolves, allow time before introducing into child’s life.
Divorce is not the only change children will experience – other changes may occur, e.g. changing schools, friends moving, illnesses Allow children to grieve the marriage at their own pace and in their own way. Remind children that divorce is never their fault – ever.
Children will only be as healthy and well-functioning as their parents are. They watch what you do much more than what you say. Exhibit resiliency...
I have a separate attachment with references and a list of recommended books for those going through divorce. I can email that list if you wish. Send me an email at Lrice@kaplan.edu THANK YOU!!!
Dec 1, 2016 · Tools. For the past several years in the United States, there have been more than 800 000 divorces and parent separations annually, with over 1 million children affected. Children and their parents can experience emotional trauma before, during, and after a separation or divorce.
- George J. Cohen
- 2002
They are also a vital resource and can coordinate messaging and treatment with parents to create a more holistic approach to helping a troubled child. If needed, counselors can also act as protectors for children experiencing divorce-related abuse or neglect at home.
In fact, what is most notable about children of divorce is their resilience, their successful coping despite life’s difficulties. Divorce poses many challenges to children; and, after a period of readjustment, most children success in facing the challenges.
Treating the Child of Divorced or Separated Parents—Ethical, Legal, and Risk Management Considerations. Joe Scroppo, PhD, JD. Presented by. Attendees Earn One Continuing Education Credit. The National Register is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists.
Divorce is one of the most difficult experiences many people will ever face. A divorce is something that many adults and almost all children do not want to happen, and it can take a very long time to accept. Even people who want to divorce often find that they have mixed emotions. There are marriages that are empty, conflict-ridden, or even ...
