Parenting through crisis: group counselling with single mothers

Abstract

This project consists of two parts: a review of the relevant literature on group counselling as it applies to recently separated mothers who may be experiencing crisis and a handbook that can be used by counsellors to conduct a short term intervention for single mothers in crisis. The handbook itself is an executive summary of information and instructions needed to run the group. This format is in keeping with most guides for parenting groups since they are meant to assist with skill enhancement rather than provide in-depth psychotherapy. However, this group differs from regular parenting guides since it acknowledges the pressing need for therapeutic support in the mothers' lives during this time of turmoil and therefore uses a counselling format that recognizes the psychological implications of an emotional crisis. The handbook also contains a form to be used in the evaluation of the program by recipients of the intervention. A list of guidelines for the establishment of an ongoing support group after the initial crisis has subsided has also been included.