Divorce Can Be Complicated Especially for Children and Teens
Even when handled with care, divorce and separation are life-changing events for families. For children and teens cope, these changes often come with a flood of emotions: confusion, sadness, guilt, anger, worry, or even relief. They may not have the language or coping tools to process what’s happening, especially if the separation is high-conflict or sudden.
At Amy Brown Counseling, we help children and teens (ages 7 and up) through the emotional impact of family separation using online therapy sessions that are accessible to families across Missouri, including St. Louis and Chesterfield. We specialize in helping kids and teens feel safe, seen, and supported as they adjust to their new family reality.
Every Child Experiences Divorce Differently
There’s no “one-size-fits-all” emotional response to divorce. Some children show sadness right away, while others might become quiet, angry, or act as if nothing has changed at all. These emotional responses can shift over time, sometimes weeks or even months after the separation has begun.
Therapy can help children:
- Express how they feel in a safe, nonjudgmental space
- Reduce anxiety about the unknowns (new home, custody schedules, etc.)
- Address feelings of guilt or self-blame
- Adjust to new routines, family structures, or blended families
- Strengthen their ability to regulate emotions during transitions
Why Therapy Can Be Especially Helpful During Separation
It’s common for parents to focus on legal logistics and co-parenting agreements during divorce. Understandably, emotions run high for everyone involved. But while adults are busy managing court dates or financial concerns, children can feel emotionally left behind, even when parents are trying their best.
Having a neutral therapist gives kids a consistent, emotionally safe person to talk to, someone who isn’t on either parent’s “side” but is solely there to support the child. This can make a tremendous difference in how a child copes during the early stages of separation and in the months and years that follow.
Online Therapy Offers Kids and Teens a Familiar Setting
Many kids feel most comfortable opening up in a setting that’s familiar, like their own room or a quiet space at home. That’s why virtual therapy can be especially effective for children and teens navigating divorce. It reduces the stress of going to an unfamiliar office or waiting room and allows them to participate in therapy from a place they already feel safe.
At Amy Brown Counseling, we offer secure, HIPAA-compliant online therapy for children and teens across Missouri. Kids meet with their therapist through a private portal using a tablet, laptop, or desktop, with support from parents to get started.
Children Ages 7 and Up Thrive in Our Online Format
While very young children (under 7) may struggle to stay engaged in virtual therapy, we have found that kids ages 7 and older do very well in this setting. Our therapists use a secure online play therapy platform that allows for shared activities, games, drawing, and therapeutic exercises in real time.
These sessions help kids build trust, express feelings, and learn tools for coping, all without having to leave home. They’re especially helpful for children who may be splitting time between homes and need consistency during transitions.
Signs Your Child May Be Struggling After Divorce or Separation
Some children are able to adapt quickly after a separation, but others may show signs of emotional distress, either right away or over time. It’s important to recognize that even if a divorce is civil, it still represents a major life change for your child.
Here are some common signs that therapy may help:
- Ongoing sadness, crying spells, or withdrawal
- Angry outbursts or increased irritability
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Drop in school performance or motivation
- Refusing to go to school or participate in activities
- Expressing fear, guilt, or confusion about the divorce
- Acting younger than their age (regression)
- Trying to fix the relationship or take sides
Therapy gives your child a safe outlet to process these emotions with a trained professional who understands how divorce impacts child development.
Teens and Divorce: The Impact Can Be Deep
Teenagers may not always express their feelings openly, but they are deeply affected by divorce, even when they seem “old enough to understand.” Teens may feel torn between parents, try to stay neutral, or feel responsible for keeping peace. Others may engage in risky behavior or emotional shutdowns to cope.
Virtual therapy gives teens the privacy and flexibility to talk to someone without feeling like they’re betraying either parent. It also meets them where they’re comfortable, on their device, while still holding space for serious emotional work.
At Amy Brown Counseling, we work with teens in middle school and high school throughout Missouri, offering a nonjudgmental space to process family changes, identity issues, and stress related to separation.
Support for Parents: Co-Parenting with Emotional Awareness
Divorce doesn’t end parenting. In fact, it makes emotionally aware parenting even more important. That’s why we often provide parent support sessions as part of our work with kids and teens. These sessions give you a space to:
- Understand your child’s emotional needs
- Co-parent with consistency and boundaries
- Avoid placing your child in the middle of conflict
- Respond to emotional triggers calmly and effectively
- Communicate with your child about the divorce in age-appropriate ways
When parents get support too, the entire family benefits. Kids feel safer when they know their parents are emotionally available and working together (even if living apart).
Consistency Across Households Matters
If your child is spending time in two different homes, keeping some sense of consistency can make a big difference. This includes routines, expectations, communication styles, and emotional support. Therapy can help both the child and their parents identify small but meaningful ways to create stability, no matter which house they’re in.
Virtual therapy is especially beneficial in this scenario because it offers one consistent therapist across both households. No need to worry about transportation logistics or switching offices between parents. The therapy relationship stays the same regardless of the parenting schedule.
Building Long-Term Emotional Resilience
Our goal at Amy Brown Counseling is not just to help children and teens survive a divorce, it’s to help them grow through it. With the right support, many children come out of this life change with more self-awareness, better coping skills, and a stronger sense of self.
Therapy helps kids learn how to:
- Talk about feelings in a healthy way
- Set boundaries and ask for help
- Accept big life changes without shutting down
- Stay connected to both parents in ways that feel safe
- Cope with blended families, new siblings, or remarriage
These skills benefit your child well beyond the current family situation. They build a foundation of emotional health that can carry into adulthood.
We Serve Families Throughout Missouri Virtually
Whether you live in St. Louis, Chesterfield, Columbia, Springfield, or a smaller town in Missouri, our online therapy services are available to you. All you need is a secure internet connection and a quiet place for your child or teen to meet with their therapist.
We’ve designed our virtual therapy model to be flexible, effective, and easy to use, especially for families juggling shared custody schedules, school calendars, and work demands.
When to Reach Out for Help
You don’t have to wait until things get worse. If your child or teen is struggling, or you just want to make sure they’re adjusting well, reaching out for therapy is a positive step. Early support can prevent future emotional difficulties and help your child feel seen and understood.
We invite you to connect with our team at Amy Brown Counseling to discuss whether online therapy is a good fit for your child or teen cope. Our licensed therapists are here to walk alongside your family during this time of change.
Ready to Get Started?
At Amy Brown Counseling, we offer:
- Virtual therapy for children ages 7+
- Online therapy for teens and parents
- Parent sessions for co-parenting and support
- Evidence-based techniques grounded in empathy and trust
We serve families across Missouri, including St. Louis, Chesterfield, and surrounding areas. If you’re going through divorce or separation and want to support your child’s mental health during this transition, we’re here for you.
Click here to fill out our new client inquiry form and take the first step today.
