In Canada, nearly 42 percent of first marriages end in divorce.

Separation and divorce affect over 60,000 children annually. It disrupts a child's world. Children dealing with their parent's separation or divorce often feel vulnerable and alone, depressed and highly stressed. Parents also feel highly stressed during separation and divorce, and are often unable to recognize or cope with the serious concerns their children are experiencing.

Calgary Counselling Centre's Children of Divorce program is designed to help parents and children adjust to the numerous changes that occur as a result of separation or divorce. Our Children of Divorce group program takes the unique approach of including both children and their parents in the therapeutic process.

The program requires that one parent attend the parent group, however both parents are encouraged to attend. Active participation of both parents is encouraged by offering two separate parent groups which run concurrently to the children's group. Similar topics and issues are discussed in each session, with each group, allowing children and parents to share and progress together.

In addition to the Children of Divorce group program, Calgary Counselling Centre has developed a stand-alone videotape/handbook "Let's Talk About Divorce" - a resource for parents and counsellors, educators, doctors, lawyers, and other professionals helping families going through separation and divorce. This innovative program is available only through the Calgary Counselling Centre, and www.kineticvideo.com

Children from the ages of 3 to 18 are separated into groups according to their age. Studies have indicated that according to the child's age, the reactions to divorce will differ. The counselling for each group is customized to accommodate these differences.

Children use role play, artwork, puppetry and peer group discussions to explore their feelings. They will learn practical guidelines and problem solving skills to assist them in their own transition to a new family.

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Parents may become stressed by their own practical and emotional issues during this difficult period. They may not have the time, energy or knowledge to understand their childrens' reactions. One parent is required to attend the parent component of the program, however both parents are encouraged to participate in the therapeutic process. Results show that children respond better to therapy when both parents participate in the program. The parent's program offers suggestions on how to avoid a painful "divorce war" and how to reduce the impact of separation on the child.
The counselling environment provides social support and an opportunity to assist each person in their own transition.

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This ten week program, led by a team of experienced facilitators, is based on the following objectives:

• to develop an emotionally secure relationship between the child and parents
• to facilitate shared parenting between adults that benefits the children
• to free children and parents from custody battles or "divorce wars"
• to help children accept their parents' divorce
• to assist children in their adjustment to new family dynamics
• to facilitate the parents' understanding of the child's reaction to divorce
• to discuss ways to reduce the impact of separation on the child
• to provide direction for building healthy, modified family units

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All clients must participate in individual counselling prior to beginning the group program. Acceptance in the group is not automatic and is at the discretion of the counsellor.

Please fill out our online Intake form or call 403.691.5991 to request an initial evaluation session.
Programs are offered on a regular basis throughout the year. Sessions are every Saturday morning for ten weeks and last for two hours.

Fees for the Centre's programs (with the exception of the Marriage Preparation Program) are based on a sliding fee scale, according to the client's total gross family income. Your fee will be established during the initial telephone call with our Intake Office. However, fees can be discussed with your counsellor during the first session.

Fees are payable each session by cash, Visa, Mastercard, or Interac.

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