Doubt, Hope, Pain, and New Discoveries: Parents’ Experiences of the High-Conflict Program ‘No Kids in the Middle’

Abstract

Studies show that there are strong links between parental conflict and children’s psychosocial problems. The program ‘No Kids in the Middle’ is a group-based, time-limited, multi-family intervention for children aged between four and 16, living with parents in prolonged conflict after divorce. The program is based on a dialogical framework and the purpose is to create a therapeutic and dialogical space where the parents are invited to see, empathise, and connect with their children and act with their child in mind. This paper presents a qualitative study based on interviews with parents who participated in the program. The analysis of the material led to three main themes: ambivalence – doubt, shame and hope; painful new experiences; and progress and new discoveries. We discuss the findings in relation to the therapists’ role and the program’s aim of creating a free space for interaction, which seems to be important to the parents’ progress.