Abstract
The loss of parenting figures through death, divorce, or other kinds of separation often leaves children without consistent parental support and with increased fears of abandonment. In the natural cycle, siblings can maintain almost lifelong relationships and therefore are in a position to offer each other a significant support system over an extended period of time. We have found that work with sibling subgroups can help children to resolve their individual and shared conflicts as well as to remove interferences to mutually supportive relationships. Illustrative cases are presented and treatment guidelines offered.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bank, S., & Kahn, M. Sisterhood-brotherhood is powerful: Sibling subsystems and family therapy.Family Process, 1975,14(3), 311–337.
Khan, M. The concept of cumulative trauma.Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 1963,18, 286–306.
Kohut, H. The psychoanalytic treatment of narcissistic personality disorders.Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 1968,23, 86–113.
Minuchin, S. et al.Families of the slums. New York: Basic Books, 1967.
Pollock, G. On siblings, childhood sibling loss, and creativity.The Annual of Psychoanalysis, 1978,6, 443–481.
Wolfenstein, M. How is mourning possible?Psychoanalytic Study of the Child, 1966,21, 93–123.
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Rosenberg, E.B. Therapy with siblings in reorganizing families. International Journal of Family Therapy 2, 139–150 (1980). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00927383
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00927383