Sibling counseling

Advice for siblings

Sibling relationships are often the longest in our lives. We learn how to live together very early on with our siblings. When a brother or sister has a disability or chronic illness, healthy siblings face particular challenges.

Perhaps they help with caregiving, fear a deterioration in their health, or can't play with their sister or brother the way their peers do with their siblings. A conservative estimate puts the number at around 5% for people in Germany, with a sibling having a disability. The actual number is likely even higher.

The sibling support service of Lebenshilfe Bremen offers various services here:

Advice for siblings

Do you have a sister or brother with a disability or chronic illness? Perhaps you have questions about living with your sibling?

For example, these (but perhaps also completely different ones…):

• Why do I have a disabled sister or brother?
• Am I always responsible for my brother or sister?
• What can I do if people give me strange looks when I'm out with my sibling?
• When do Mom and Dad have time for me?
• Am I allowed to be angry at my sister or brother?
• What can I do to help my sibling?

Perhaps you don't have a question at all, just a strange feeling. Then we can think together about what that strange feeling might mean. And because feelings aren't always easy to put into words, we have lots of materials for playing, cuddling, and drawing.

Even adult siblings often carry the responsibility for a brother or sister with a disability throughout their lives. How should their own future plans look? What do I do if my partner wants nothing to do with my sibling? What happens when my parents are no longer alive? To answer these questions effectively, examining one's own family of origin can be crucial.

If you have a matter you'd like to discuss, you're welcome to schedule a consultation. The best way to do this is by phone or email.

Advice for parents and relatives

If you care for a child with a disability or chronic illness, you do a great deal in your daily life. If there are other children in the family, you may sometimes ask yourself:

• How can I do right by all my children?
• Am I not overtaxing my child/children without disabilities?
• Where can I get support for myself and my family?
• What does my child/children without disabilities need to cope well with the situation?

If you have a matter you would like to discuss, you are welcome to schedule a consultation. The best way to do this is to call us or send an email.

Group offers

Chat for adult siblings

Do you have a brother or sister with a disability? And are you interested in exchanging ideas with other adults in a relaxed setting about questions and challenges related to supporting your sibling with a disability or chronic illness?

Then you are very welcome to join our sibling get-together. We meet every last Thursday of the month from 5:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Lebenshilfe Bremen, Waller Heerstraße 107. Please register briefly beforehand.

Another group activity for children and young people between 7 and 17 years old is currently being set up.

You can find all the news and dates here.

Registration information:
Registration is requested.

Cost:
free