In Spain, in a pioneering way, in 2001 the Program Parental separation, not family breakdown (RPNF) (Fariña et al., 2002) was created by the research groups Unit of Forensic Psychology, of the University of Santiago de Compostela and Legal Psychology of the University of Vigo. It consists of two subprogrammes, one of individual character and one group.
SUBPROGRAMA INDIVIDUAL RPNF:
This modality provides counselling, guidance and personal assistance so that adults can positively manage the partner crisis. This attention can be dispensed before, during or after the breakup has taken place, providing tools that allow them to face the difficulties of the couples who are separated. It is intended for parents as well as other relatives and significant people in the family (e.g., new couples, grandparents, uncles).
SUBPROGRAMA GRUPAL RPNF:
The aim of the program was to develop the general and specific objectives and content to enhance psychological adjustment as a means of fostering positive coparenting. The program addressed the following contents: Presenting the program (introduction); 2) Raising awareness of the negative effects of separation on mental health; 3) Redefining the parental relationship and the benefits of parental collaboration; 4) The child’s development and parenting styles; 5) Consequences and reactions to parental separation; 6) Parental communication and the negative consequences of conflict and toxic stress; 7) 8) and 9) Phenomena associated to the process of separation and divorce: Parental interference and parental alienation (7), overburdened children (8), the illusion of reconciliation (9); 10) Positive coparenting; 11) educational and communicative techniques for parents and children (I); 12) How to help children to adapt to the new family situation; 13) Educational and communicative techniques for parents and children (II), and the practical application of disciplinary methods; 14) Rights and Obligations of Children/Responsibilities of parents; 15) Post-intervention evaluation; and 16) Review of the contents and closing session of the program.
This group mode consists of 16 group sessions that are complemented with individual sessions according to the needs of each participant. It is intended for adults, that is, parents breaking up couples, including voluntary or court-ordered assistance, but also to other significant people such as new stable couples or grandparents, as well as sons and daughters.
