School-based discussion groups for children of divorce: A pilot program

This paper describes a pilot program for school-based discussion groups for children of divorce. Relevant literature is reviewed and a model for a semistructured discussion group for latency-aged children is presented. Particular techniques used to engage children in discussion of relevant issues are described. While we have not conducted a systematic outcome study of these groups, our impression is that while some definite concrete changes have occurred for several children, for others, change has been located more in the representational than behavioral world. Children may remain unable to communicate angry feelings to the absent parent but as a result of the group experiences may be able to stop thinking of themselves as bad for harboring such feelings in the first place.Formerly an Elementary Guidance Counselor in the Brookline Public Schools, currently is an Educational Consultant in the Philadelphia area.