Siblings Without Barriers

The responsibilities that come with the family structure, the seeds of which were sown by the decision of two people, take on a new form when a child joins the family. However, the child upon whom hopes are pinned and dreams are built is always assumed to be healthy; should any adverse circumstances arise following birth, the family feels caught off guard and disappointed (Eripek, 1996), as this unforeseen situation will necessitate changes to their plans regarding their baby’s and their own future, and even their financial arrangements (Doğu and Arslan, 2008).

           According to the results of the Survey on People with Disabilities in Turkey conducted by the Turkish Statistical Institute in 2002, it was found that 12.29% of the population has a disability (ÖZİDA, 2002). Despite this information, the first and most prominent reaction of families who learn that they have a child with a disability is usually ‘shock’ (Metin, 2001).  The emotions that follow include denial, sadness, anger, guilt, anxiety, unexpected crises, avoidance of confronting the attitudes of the outside world, disappointment, and a decline in self-confidence and self-respect (Küçüker, 1993).

           Whilst parents are preoccupied with providing the support their disabled child needs, there is another presence in the home that often goes unnoticed: the sibling. If one child in the family is unable to meet their own needs without assistance, the ability of another child to do so may be perceived by parents as an extraordinary talent. This situation can lead to the child being deprived of fundamental emotional needs such as feeling loved, cared for, protected and secure. Taner (2007) has argued that the behaviour and attitudes of children who do not receive sufficient care from their families hinder their social, emotional and personality development.

  The impact on the psychological well-being of siblings of children with disabilities, which arises as a natural consequence of their living conditions, has been a much-discussed topic in the literature. Drawing on current research and the experience gained in our clinics at ÇADEM Psychology, the primary aim of our “Siblings Without Barriers” Project is to help children aged 11–16 who have a sibling with a disability understand that they are not alone, recognise their emotions, have a space to express them, and strengthen their coping skills.

Group Therapy Approach

          The programme is structured as an 8-session group programme spanning 10 weeks, drawing on Solution-Focused Group Counselling, Supportive and Expressive Group Therapy, Theraplay Group Therapy, and Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction group activities.

Group Therapy Session Content

          Each session addresses a separate topic, and although each new topic serves as a link between the previous and the next, the session’s topic is introduced and concluded within that session itself. The process consists of eight weeks in total, comprising seven sessions and one therapeutic break, covering topics such as shaping the therapeutic process, self-perception within the therapeutic process, goal-setting, tips for finding solutions, progressing towards a solution, attachment and separation (with parental involvement), and saying goodbye.

         The sessions continue with the therapist creating a space for participants to express themselves, following an evaluation of the period from the previous week up to that point, and guiding them in line with that week’s concept. Mindfulness and Theraplay activities, prepared in accordance with each week’s content, are selected to strengthen the children’s awareness and experiences in practice and are carried out together with the group. The aim is thus to strengthen the children’s participation in the process.

Terms of Participation

        Our group therapy session, designed as a support programme for siblings of children with disabilities, is open to all children aged between 11 and 16. Prior to the therapy session, an initial consultation will be held with the children’s families to gather detailed information regarding their family history and the child’s relationship with their sibling. Provided the necessary conditions are met, the family will be provided with detailed information about the programme.

Participation Fee

        The participation fee for the Group Therapy is set at 800 TL. Payments will be collected in two instalments: 400 TL before the programme begins and 400 TL at the end of the fourth week.

Capacity

        The maximum number of participants for the Group Therapy is set at 15.

Dates

       Tuesday 5 November: Session 1

       Tuesday 12 November: Session 2

       Tuesday 19 November: Session 3

       Tuesday 26 November: Session 4

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       Tuesday 10 December: Session 5

       Tuesday 17 December: Session 6

       Tuesday 24 December: Session 7

       Tuesday 31 December: Session 8

For further information, please contact us at [email protected] or on 0(505) 143 60 63.