Divorce or Death of a Parent
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About Divorce or Death of a Parent
Child Therapy for Divorce and Parental Loss in Santa Monica & Los Angeles
The dissolution of a family — through divorce or the death of a parent — is one of the most significant experiences a child can face. Children process loss very differently from adults, and they need developmentally appropriate support to make sense of what has happened, manage their feelings, and maintain the sense of security they need to continue growing.
Dr. Sally Hackman, PhD, MFT, has extensive experience helping children in Santa Monica and Los Angeles navigate divorce and parental loss — with a deep understanding of child development and the specific ways grief and family disruption affect children at different ages. Childern under 5 years old and puberty age are in the most developmentally fluid stages rendering them the most vulenerable to development being thrown off track. Early intervention at the time of the divorce or loss helps prevent or deal with derailment of development and lessens the life long impact period.
Key Points
Helping Your Child Through Loss.
Empowering Resilience
Help your child process their grief and make sense of family change in ways that are appropriate to their age and development — building the emotional resilience to carry forward.
Healing Space
A warm, child-friendly space that is entirely the child's own — separate from adult conflict and family stress — where children can express their feelings freely.
Transformative Support
Dr. Hackman maintains close parent consultations alongside child therapy — helping parents understand how to talk to their children about divorce or death, and how to support their children's emotional needs at home.
OUR COMMITMENT TO YOU
Your Child's Wellbeing Is Our Priority.
Children who receive appropriate support following divorce or parental loss are significantly more likely to maintain healthy development, strong relationships, and emotional wellbeing. The investment in their support now pays dividends throughout their lives.
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Years of Child Therapy Experience
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Serving Santa Monica Continuously
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Confidential — Always
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First Session Free If You Don't Return
FAQ
Common Questions
Not necessarily — but it is worth a consultation. Some children appear fine while carrying significant emotional weight. A session for you and one or two for your child and Dr. Hackman can give you a professional perspective on how your child is managing.
This is one of the most important and most difficult conversations a parent can have. Dr. Hackman can provide parent consultation specifically focused on how to talk to children about death in age-appropriate, supportive ways.