The group programme for children of separated parents is now being offered for the sixth time by the Saarpfalz District Psychological Counselling Centre. The preventative programme comprises a total of 15 weekly meetings. It is designed to help children affected by the separation of their parents to cope with the associated changes and stresses in the family. A key aim is for the children to learn to better understand and express their feelings. They experience in the group that they are not alone with their experiences, which has a relieving effect and makes mutual support possible. The group is led by qualified psychologist Elke Desgranges and qualified social worker Christian Eckhardt-Schug. From 4 February 2025, the group will take place weekly on Tuesdays from 3.30 to 5 p.m. at the Saarpfalz District Psychological Counselling Centre. The registration deadline is 17 January 2025.
The atmosphere in the room is exuberant as the eight children transform paper plates into emotional masks using pens and scissors. A wide variety of faces are created on the cardboard. All that remains is to cut out the eyes and attach elastic bands to the masks and then social worker Christian Eckhardt-Schug, one of the two group leaders, can set the children the next task: one child should try to portray the emotion shown on their mask with their posture. If another child guesses the emotion correctly, it is next in line to present their emotional mask using body language. The children between the ages of 9 and 12 now have their turn to perform. Behind the protection of the mask, they find it easier to express different feelings physically: Joy, anger, sadness, anger, homesickness, jealousy. In the subsequent discussion, the children realise that some feelings are not clearly recognisable. Psychologist Elke Desgranges explains to them how important it is to talk about feelings in such cases.
Parents often worry when their children seem sad after a separation, their school performance drops or aggressive behaviour occurs. In talks for parents, for example as part of parents' evenings in daycare centres or schools, staff at the advice centre explain which reactions are typical for which age group after a separation and how parents can support their children during this difficult time. If parents are very unsure about how to assess their child's behaviour, individual counselling sessions can be held with them and their child to clarify exactly what support is needed. If parental conflicts continue after a separation and the children are possibly even involved in them, there is a considerable risk that they will develop psychological problems or behavioural problems due to the great stress. For this reason, the range of services offered by the counselling centre also includes parent counselling and mediation. The latter aims to mediate in disputes between parents, e.g. over visiting arrangements, and to find amicable solutions. In highly contentious cases, contact can also take place at the counselling centre and be accompanied by a counsellor.
In addition to the services relating to the topic of "separation and divorce", families can receive counselling on the following topics at the Saarpfalz District Psychological Counselling Centre:
Educational and developmental issues, kindergarten and school problems, conflicts in the family, detachment conflicts during puberty, behavioural problems in children and adolescents. "This service, especially for children, is one of many other counselling services offered by the Saarpfalz district for interested and affected citizens. The early and competent counselling directly helps those affected to cope better with highly stressful situations. The fact that negative long-term consequences can be avoided through such preventative measures is another desirable effect," emphasises District Administrator Dr Theophil Gallo.
Counselling is confidential and counsellors are bound by professional secrecy. All support services are free of charge and do not require a referral. Interested parties can contact the Psychological Counselling Centre of the Saarpfalz District, Am Forum 3, Homburg, Tel. 06841/104-8085, Fax: 104-7223, e-mail: [email protected].
"When parents break up ..."
A group programme for children aged 9 to 12 years
Dates: 15 group meetings
weekly on Tuesdays
from 15:30 - 17:00
Start: 04 February 2025
Registration deadline: 17 January 2025