Circle Dynamics a new group offering workshops that empower school-age children of divorced parents has opened in the Greenwood area.

The company was started by Erin Byrnes, a counselor at Foster High School in Tukwila and Tanya Salmi, a counselor at Seattle's Hazel Wolf High School.

Both women are single parents who have gone through divorces. Salmi has an 11-year-old son and Byrnes, a 7-year-old daughter.

The two friends had been talking about the need for prevention services which help children handle the difficulties of seeing their parents going through divorce.

"It was something that kept coming up. There are no services in the community. We have been talking about this for years," said Salmi.

The philosophy behind Circle Dynamics is the belief that young people who learn how to approach challenges they face in an open and constructive way, are better equipped to handle difficulties in their lifetimes.

"Our goal is to give kids the tools to navigate challenges and future challenges. Give kids the empowerment to know they have choices," said Byrnes.

Parents going through divorce often don't act until the situations with their children are out of control.

"We provide extra support before they show problems," said Byrnes.

Depression, mental health, dropping out of school, drugs, social problems and low self-esteem are among the risk factors.

"There are no services to teach kids how to cope with it. There are no prevention services," said Byrnes.

The target ages are third through fifth grades, middle school and high school.

Circle Dynamics is considering adding a program for even younger ages.

"We've had inquiries about younger kids. We'll see what the needs are as we go along," said Byrnes.

Children meet in groups of ten on Monday evenings and Saturday mornings at Circle Dynamics Greenwood office.

Groups meet for three 90-minute sessions. Teaching strategies include poetry, journal writing, interactive play and group processes.

The children also work on life skills, anger management, communication, relaxation, goal setting, self-care, self-soothing and self-awareness.

"It's really about giving kids a place to learn about themselves," said Byrnes.

Circle Dynamics website is http://www.circledynamics.com.