Child & Family Therapy Counselling

31 Jan

WORKING FRAMEWORK with CHILDREN & YOUNG PEOPLE

Visual Diagram By Angela Ranallo (adapted from Johnella Bird) I am providing a visual diagram of the ways that I work, for people who, like me, may benefit from visuals to help in the understanding. Looking at the diagram, you will notice that there is a particular starting point. The reason for starting with children and young people's strengths is to begin fostering a sense of hope and confidence about tackling a problem. This is a framework that 'directs attention' to present- but- unexplored areas of the child/young person's life to obtain a much richer description of the child and young person, rather than having the problematic stories draw full attention. Problems have a way of having an effect on many areas of the child/young person's life and relationships: at school - possibly with teacher/s and peers; at home - with parent/s, carers, brothers/sisters etc. Only two areas are mentioned here, although...

00:21 / Information Articles

31 Jan

Children and Separation – General (Tip sheet for parent/s)

Story of when children were born to parents. If true, that children were born to parents because they loved each other and they wanted to have the children. What have children been told about the parents separation and what are the children understanding Children may experience Confusion Frightened Worries about mother and dad Think that it is his/her fault for parents separating Could get caught up into blaming one parent over the other (Loyalty dilemma) Can the child show both parents that she or he has happy times with both parents? Can the child show one parent that she or he misses the other parent? DRAWING Help the child with drawing the homes before and now, and people in the homes Worry - box Help children create a worry box for each home to place worries they may have. Every few days sit down and go through the children's and grownups worries. Happy- box for each home to place happy things, thoughts, etc. Repeat as...

00:19 / Information Articles

31 Jan

Children and Separation

Parental conflict and effects on children It has been my experience that for children, witnessing parental conflict and violence can be a traumatic experience having different effects, and creating conflict and contradictions in the emotional bond the child has with the parent/s. The child loves and dislikes the parent simultaneously. Subsequently, the child needs support in acknowledging the emotional conflict that s/he may be experiencing so that the child is able to hold on to the love for the parent, while maintain a regard for respectful relations. Support may be provided through some short term counselling where the child is helped with managing the emotional conflict. Negative comments about the 'other parent' What has the potential of being very damaging for the children emotional development is to hear the non resident parent been talked about and referred to in negative ways by the resident parent. Children in so many ways make it clear...

00:18 / Information Articles