Navigating the Emotional Upheavals of Death
Grief: Bereavement Therapy

Loss is an inevitable part of life, and unfortunately, some children experience it early on. Grief and Loss are broad terms used to describe the natural emotional response to significant changes that bring feelings of loss. For example, children may grieve during a serious illness (loss of activities and physical health), after a divorce (loss of living together as a family), or following a move (loss of friends and familiar places). Grief can be a reaction to any form of loss, while Bereavement specifically involves the sorrow felt after the death of a loved one. The emotions involved in grief, loss, and bereavement can range from shock and surprise to deep sadness and anger. The process of adapting to such loss can vary greatly from one child to another.
 
When a loved one or family friend dies, children may find it confusing and may even think the person is merely asleep and will return. How a child processes a death depends on their background, family beliefs, and the relationship they had with the deceased. Although the majority of children manage to cope with their loss without major problems, a few may encounter difficulties in comprehending death, or misconstrue the surrounding circumstances (self-blame), or feel overwhelmed by their emotions.
 
At Helping Children, Grief: Bereavement Therapy is tailored to each child's unique experiences and their family's beliefs. This therapeutic approach may include the following components:
  • Psychoeducation Therapy: This therapeutic approach encompasses a process of learning and open discussions about death, encompassing all the emotions that may emerge from such a profound loss.
  • Bibliotherapy – Dr. Johnson engages children in the story of carefully chosen books that facilitate their understanding of the death of a loved one, the rituals for remembrance, and the emotions they may encounter following the loss. During these reading sessions, children frequently share their own experiences as they relate to the characters in the story.
  • Play Therapy – Children often re-enact their perceptions of the circumstances surrounding the death through their imaginative play. This form of therapy allows them to process complex emotions like anger, sadness, fear, and confusion. Moreover, play helps children adapt to the changes in their lives and gives Dr. Johnson the opportunity to address and modify any misunderstandings the child may have.
  • Drawing - When children draw pictures, they often express their feelings or perceptions through art. Dr. Johnson engages in discussions with the child about the story behind the drawing, providing an avenue for the child to share their emotions and experiences.
  • Memory Project – Children often create a scrapbook or memory box filled with pictures, mementos, and written memories of the person they lost.
  • Final Resting Artwork: Many children create a visual representation of where they believe their loved one is now. Using various creative art materials such as paints, pastels, markers, cotton balls, and symbol cut-outs, they develop a picture that can soothe their worries and alleviate some of their concerns.
 
During Parent Coaching sessions, Dr. Johnson helps family members or caregivers understand the child’s perceptions of their loss and provides suggestion on how they can help the child cope with their emotions.
 
At Helping Children, we are dedicated to providing unwavering support to children as they navigate the emotional upheavals caused by the death of a loved one.
​Dr. Johnson utilizes grief resources that
​sensitively address the topic of death with children, introducing them to the various feelings and experiences they might encounter following the loss of a loved one. 

A Sample of Dr. J's Instagram Posts on Grief