Promoting Positive Outcomes for Children Experiencing Change in Family Relationships

Abstract

At a time of separation and divorce, when levels of conflict can be high and significant changes occur in family relationships, there are competing demands that can result in children and their needs being overlooked.

Drawing on our clinical experience of many years of working with families during this transition and a growing body of research, this chapter highlights the need for children’s voice to be heard and outlines ways in which professional interventions are working towards positive outcomes for children and their families during and in the aftermath of separation and divorce.

Emilia Dowling is a Chartered Clinical Psychologist and Family Psychotherapist in private practice and a member of the Institute of Family Therapy. She worked for many years at the Tavistock Clinic in London where she was head of Child Psychology. She was also a visiting professor at Birkbeck College, London University. She has published widely and is co-author of Working with Children and Parents through Separation and Divorce, 2000.

Diana Elliott is a trained Social Worker and Systemic Psychotherapist and a member of the Institute of Family Therapy. She set up an independent family mediation service where she practised and trained family mediators for many years. Emilia and Diana were involved in an innovative project for separating parents and their children at the Institute of Family Therapy in London.