ABSTRACT
Familial separation and divorce adversely affect millions of children annually. Parental divorce commonly results in significant changes in the home environment, how and when children spend time with each parent and often entails increased psychosocial stress. While the effects of divorce vary according to each child’s unique situation, children of divorce commonly experience grief at losing their pre-divorce families and homes. They also share the stress of coping with new life circumstances that likely include changes in how much and how frequently they see each parent, adapt to spending time in two different households, and possibly move their home. This chapter provides an overview of one of the modalities mental health practitioners may utilize with children affected by a low-conflict divorce that is potentially beneficial: play-based group work. In this intervention, children participate in a 16-week group process, where they (a) are permitted the therapeutic space to discuss their feelings, (b) complete worksheets correlated with encouragement and support surrounding the divorce, (c) participate in developmentally-appropriate and creative techniques involving the incorporation of coping skills to decrease anxiety; and integrate parents into the process for improved communication. A Jungian or analytical perspective is outlined in this chapter, one in which particular attention to the interior life of the child is emphasized, as well as the use of symbols and creative play to improve post-divorce adjustment. Finally, an outline of the group process is provided for practitioners to practically implement in their clinical work with children.
