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Having Divorced Parents – Group Therapy For The Children

Today, divorce rate has become higher than ever. And children are most often than not the ones who are affected the most. These kids become lonely and they become depressed. There are times when these kids feel that they are the cause of this divorce.

Before these kids undergo therapy, it is very important that their needs be assessed carefully. You can do this by administering a survey that can allow students to have a direct role in identifying areas which need to be corrected. This can only be disclosed if these kids are willing to open up. In your survey, put a space where students can write in detail about their feelings or situations that they would like to know.

Before starting the session, the rules are discussed. They are informed that if anyone wishes to discontinue attending the sessions, they are free to do so. Children always have the right to remain silent. But see to it that you encourage the shy ones to open up. Reinforce the importance of learning from one another. Some students feel more comfortable knowing that they will never be forced to share or discuss any issue that they feel is private. Other rules include giving each one an opportunity to speak and be listened to, never laughing or making fun of whatever is shared to the group, being honest, and keeping everything confidential.

Explain the reasons for the rules so that the chances that the children will abide by them increases. Finally, a form of contract shall be signed by all, making a commitment and agreement to follow the rules.

During the sessions, children should remember these important messages:

• Everyone is special in their own way.
• It is not your fault.
• You can overcome these hardships.
• The divorce was not your fault.
• You have people who care about you.
• It’s not your divorce, and no one is divorcing you. Your parents are divorcing each other.
• You did not cause the problems between your parents, and you can’t fix them.
• You can help each other. (referring to the group)

This therapy session has the goal to provide support when it is badly needed and to let the children understand that they are not to blame and that they are not alone. This is to reinforce the student’s need to talk and be able to cop up with the current situation and deal with their feelings and thoughts. They in turn can develop coping mechanisms and be able to create an open communication with other students, teachers and their parents, of course. They can overcome their emotional problems and behavioral concerns.

If you know any children of divorcees, enroll them at a therapeutic boarding school. Eckerd Academy is one of the best therapeutic boarding schools you can trust to promote positive life views and practices for these kids.