Child and Adolescent Grief Therapy
When a child experiences the death of someone close to them, it can have a profound effect on their emotions, behavior, cognitive processing, and relationships. Grief can feel like a wave- one moment a child can be going along smoothly on a calm sea. In the next moment, their body is hit with a wave of grief. My job as a therapist is not to “fix” grief. I cannot make the loss go away. Rather, I aim to help children build a metaphorical boat strong enough to help them through their strongest waves of grief. I help them process their experiences, learn coping strategies, and build relationships that help them build a new normal where grief is not all-consuming. Instead, it is one part of their larger journey along the beautiful, challenging, unpredictable oceans of life.
Children and adolescents I work with:
may be struggling to regulate their emotions
may not enjoy things they previously enjoyed
may experience worry or anxiety
may be withdrawn and not want to speak about the person who has died
may speak about the person who as died often and may need a space to process the experience of loss and grief
may be struggling with anticipatory grief (knowing a loved one is at end-of-life and they are still living)
Through talk therapy, role play, writing, play, imagination, and creativity, my clients have an opportunity to:
Share their grief story in a nurturing, cozy environment.
Express emotions in creative ways .
Better understand their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors by reflecting on our creative process.
Practice coping strategies for stressful times by role-playing and writing white might help.
Regain a sense of safety and control by begin the director, actor, author, and creator of their creations.
Learn to carry their grief and know that grief is not “fixed,” but loss is a part of life.
Adjust to a “new normal,” acknowledging the role the deceased person has played in their life and how things have changed from before the person’s death.
Connect with people who can support them.
Remember the person who has died.
If you and your child could use support on the journey of grief, I can help.
I SEE CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS IN-PERSON IN PORT WASHINGTON, NEW YORK AND THROUGH TELEHEALTH WITHIN NEW YORK STATE.
Therapy begins with a virtual consultation to discuss your goals for your child and family’s wellbeing. Schedule an introductory consultation to speak with me further about how I might support your family.