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Nowadays, it is not uncommon for many children to come from divorced homes. These students face a number of personal and social problems, which consist of loneliness, blaming oneself for the divorce, experiencing divided loyalties, not knowing how to deal with parental conflicts, and facing the loss of family stability.

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 woud like to know.

However, it is important that you inform the kids before you start your therapy session that they are free to discontinue if they don't feel comfortable. These kids should feel comfortable with their environment so that they can feel secured and they can start to open up. Make sure that you don't force these students to share their thoughts and feelings. Create rules and guidelines. These should be conducive to an environment where the kids are free to share. Emphasize that the things that they will share will be confidential and will never be disclosed to anyone and whatever they share won't be a laughing matter.

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:

You are special. It is not your fault. You can get through this difficult time. Your parents' split was not because of you. You have people who care about you. Your parents are divorcing each other. They are not divorcing you. It's not your divorce. The problems that led to the divorce was not because of you and you are not to blame. You can't do anything to fix these problems. 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.