Weekly Schedule & Take-Home Activities

Week 1: Welcome & Setting Group Expectations

• Icebreakers & introductions

• Establishing group rules and confidentiality

• Identifying personal goals for the course

• Take-Home: Journal Prompt – “What do I hope to gain from this group?”

Week 2: Understanding Divorce & Family Changes

• Exploring common emotions and myths about divorce

• Discussing different family structures & experiences

• Take-Home: Family Tree Activity – Create a visual representation of your family before and after the divorce

Week 3: Processing Emotions in a Healthy Way

• Identifying and naming emotions

• Journaling and creative expression exercises

• Take-Home: Emotion Wheel – Track emotions throughout the week & reflect on triggers

Week 4: Managing Stress & Uncertainty

• Recognizing stress and learning coping skills

• Practicing mindfulness and relaxation techniques

• Take-Home: "My Stress Plan" Worksheet – Identify stressors and coping strategies

Week 5: Addressing Guilt, Anger, & Self-Blame

• Understanding that divorce is not the child’s fault

• Healthy ways to express anger and sadness

• Take-Home: “Letter to My Younger Self” – Write advice and encouragement for a younger version of yourself

Week 6: Handling Conflict & Difficult Conversations

• Role-playing conversations with parents

• Setting boundaries & knowing when to ask for help

• Take-Home: “I-Statement” Practice – Write out responses for real-life scenarios

Week 7: Strengthening Self-Esteem & Identity

• Identifying strengths and personal values

• Group discussion: “Who am I outside of my family?”

• Take-Home: Vision Board – Create a collage of hopes, dreams, and personal goals

Week 8: Building Healthy Relationships

• Navigating friendships and sibling relationships

• Addressing loyalty conflicts between parents

• Take-Home: Friendship & Trust List – Write down people who are a positive support system

Week 9: Creating a Personal Coping Plan

• Reviewing tools and strategies learned

• Developing an individual coping plan for tough moments

• Take-Home: Coping Toolbox – Fill a box with comforting items, affirmations, and reminders of strength

Week 10: Reflection & Moving Forward

• Reflecting on personal growth

• Sharing takeaways from the group experience

• Take-Home: “Letter to Future Me” – Write a letter to be opened in six months