Supporting Siblings Through Divorce, Grief, or Family Transitions: How Therapy Can Help

The Impact of Family Changes on Sibling Relationships

Sometimes, life takes us by surprise. In an instant, family dynamics can change. After the initial shock subsides, we may be left confused and needing a safe space to process with our loved ones. Life transitions such as divorce, death, or major family changes can significantly impact the sibling dynamic. Siblings often turn to each other for comfort during difficult times, but they can also experience increased tension, confusion, or even resentment. Family therapy and sibling therapy can provide essential support to help families navigate these transitions together in a healthy way.

How Divorce Affects Sibling Dynamics

Divorce is one of the most challenging transitions a family can go through. While some siblings become closer as they rely on each other for support, others may experience more arguments, rivalry, or emotional distance due to stress and uncertainty, no matter the age. Some common challenges include:

• Feelings of divided loyalty – Children may feel torn between parents, which can create tension between siblings who interpret the situation differently.
• Changes in family structure – Moving between households, adjusting to step-siblings, or coping with a single-parent home can disrupt sibling bonds.
• Emotional distress – Anxiety, sadness, or anger about the divorce can lead to increased sibling conflicts.

How Therapy Can Help:
Sibling and family therapy provide a space where children can openly express their emotions, learn effective communication skills, and rebuild a sense of stability within their sibling bond.

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Grieving Together: When Siblings Experience Loss

​The death of a parent, grandparent, or close family member can create overwhelming grief for children. While siblings may provide comfort to one another, they may also grieve differently, leading to misunderstandings or emotional distance.
Common sibling challenges during grief include:

• Different ways of expressing sadness
• Feeling isolated in their grief or thinking their sibling doesn’t understand
• Increased anxiety about further loss or changes within the family
• Financial tension within the family due to funeral costs, estate matters, or changes in household income, which can add stress to sibling relationships.
  

How Therapy Can Help:
A trained family therapist can help siblings validate each other’s grief, develop coping strategies, and create meaningful ways to remember their loved one together. Therapy also provides a safe space for processing emotions at each child’s pace.

Adjusting to Major Family Transitions

In addition to divorce and grief, other major life changes—such as a parent aging, moving to a new home, or welcoming a new sibling—can create emotional upheaval for children. These transitions can lead to jealousy, behavioral changes, or struggles with adaptation.
How Therapy Can Help:

• Building healthy coping mechanisms – Therapy helps siblings manage their emotions and adjust to change in a supportive environment.
• Encouraging open communication – Sibling therapy teaches children to express their needs and concerns without fear of judgment.
• Creating a sense of security – Family therapy reinforces the idea that even though things are changing, their relationships remain strong.

The Benefits of Sibling and Family Therapy

Therapy provides a structured space where siblings can:

• Learn healthy ways to communicate and express emotions
• Develop problem-solving skills to navigate conflicts
• Strengthen their emotional connection and support for each other
• Reduce stress and anxiety about family changes

At The Feeling Space, A Marriage and Family Therapy Corporation, our California-based family therapists specialize in helping siblings navigate difficult transitions. Whether your family is going through a divorce, grieving a loss, or adjusting to a major life change, our compassionate therapists are here to support you.

Get Support for Your Family Today

If your children are struggling with a major transition, sibling therapy or family therapy can help them process their emotions and strengthen their bond. Contact The Feeling Space today to schedule a consultation and learn how we can support your family.

Call us at (424) 274-0518 or Email us at [email protected] 

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