Divorce and separation is often a traumatic and life-changing event. Due to a lack of verbal skills and emotional maturity, children, adolescents and teens often suffer tremendously during this process. Unlike their parents, they frequently have difficulties communicating their inner thoughts and feelings around the issues of divorce and separation. Their ability to
make sense of what is happening within their family will affect their choices and decisions throughout their lives.
Some of the issues that come up for children are unusual trouble in school;
issues with anger and fighting among siblings and/or peers; withdrawal and/or
depression; and nightmares. Often children feel personal guilt about the family break-up. They express their anger at having to live in two separate houses and fear talking openly with their parents about these feelings and emotions. They also can feel like they are being used as a messenger between parents.
Art therapy is extremely effective in treating children, teens and adolescents dealing with the impact of divorce on their life and family. Making art can
assist them in identifying and
expressing their feelings validating their experience. Working through the process of divorce and separation is imperative to
healthy adjustment and has lifelong effects on their abilities to deal with their relationships.
Working individually, in small groups, and/or in the family setting depends on the ages and needs of the child and family. Having a third person that is uninvolved in the family trauma
creates a safe place for working on resolution of the many issues.
Labels: art therapy, children, counseling, divorce, family, healing, separation
