Siblings

In many cases, the family, quite naturally tends to invest their emotional, physical, logistical and financial resources in their “special child.” As a result of the concentration of their energies directed to help and save their special child, and in the assumption that other children in the family will develop on their own as they don’t have any development difficulties, brothers and sisters often find themselves in continuous conflict, jealousy, competition etc.

As a result of the experience gained at the Mifne Center, a therapy program has been developed for the siblings during the day, while participating in the first intensive family therapy program. Some of the day is devoted to individual meetings (brother/sister – therapist) and some of the meetings are with the whole family, including work with the parents or with the “special” brother or sister.

The purpose of the siblings’ therapy program is derived from the specific needs of each brother or sister according to their age. In most cases, each of them goes through a meaningful process, like all the family. They are given the chance to examine their place in the family, to express their difficulties and conflicts which will contribute to their development.

Each summer siblings of children who were treated at the Center between the ages of 6 to 16 are invited to attend the Mifne Summer Camp. This gives them the opportunity to return to the safe, warm and supportive environment experienced when the family was in residential treatment at the Center.

• Common issues that these children share provide mutual comfort and security as a support group.
• The children are able with the help of familiar therapists to discuss their experiences.
• Support they receive addresses their individual needs as children who grew up with a special sibling.