Effects of divorce

Katherine Sellwood, PsyD Psychologist, explains the common ways that kids can be affected by their parents' divorce and shares advice on how to help your child through the transition
Divorce And Children | The Effects Of Divorce On Children
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Effects of divorce

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Parents need to know that divorce always affects children because of the disruption in their life. Some children may fare better than others – others may not. Parents can expect a full range of emotions from spitefulness, uncooperativeness, feelings of depression, being withdrawn or combination of all the above. There are two factors that affect the positive adjustment of a child when it comes to a divorce – number one is that the child has adequate time with each parent, and number two – is a level of cooperation and co-parenting between the exes. What a parent can do is be aware of your child’s emotions. When a child is having a feeling, use this as an opportunity for teaching; give them an emotional vocabulary, help label what they’re feeling, let them know that it’s okay to be sad, it’s okay to be angry – it’s okay to feel all these things. Help them to come up with ways to problem solve, help them with their communication skills. The more effectively a child is able to articulate what they’re thinking and what they’re feeling, the better able they are to get through this divorce.

Katherine Sellwood, PsyD Psychologist, explains the common ways that kids can be affected by their parents' divorce and shares advice on how to help your child through the transition

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Katherine Sellwood, PsyD

Psychologist

Dr. Katherine Sellwood is a clinical psychologist in private practice in Encino, California, who specializes in child, adult and forensic family psychology. She began her Master's Degree training at Pepperdine University, continuing her education at C.S.P.P. to obtain a Doctoral Degree in the field of Clinical Psychology. Since entering the field in 1996, Dr. Sellwood has garnered a diverse professional background that includes working as an elementary and middle school counselor, college and regional center disabilities specialist, executive director of a non-profit organization in psychology, consulting psychologist at hospitals and in-patient medical facilities, and an academic Professor of Psychology at several graduate schools. Dr. Sellwood has been a guest lecturer presenting topics that include: anger management, early childhood development, play therapy techniques, taking a stand against teenage violence, developing resilience, treating children of divorce, loss and grief, adolescent girls and disordered body images, understanding behavioral difficulties.

Dr. Sellwood holds a license in clinical psychology through the state of California. She is on the National Register of Health Service Providers in Psychology, and is a Diplomate with the American Board of Professional Psychology. Her professional affiliations also include The American Psychological Association, The Association of Family and Conciliation Courts, and The American Academy of Clinical Psychology. She has received professional honors and recognition through the Psy Chi National Honor Society of Psychology, the California Senate for excellence in school counseling, student nominated Who’s Who of America’s Teachers, and peer nominated Sierra Tucson’s Gratitude for Giving.

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