The experience of loss has a significant impact on a child’s development and functioning.

The experience of loss, whether a result of normal life transitions like a family move, or more serious losses like a death in the family or catastrophic experience, has a significant impact on a child’s development and functioning. If you are concerned about how your child has adjusted to a significant loss, reaching out to a counselor can help you navigate the intricate process of grief. In therapy, you will learn that children have many of the same feelings and needs in response to loss as we do as adults. However, children need added reassurance, support, and coping strategies to fully make sense of their experience and move forward in their lives. Therapy is a way to build resilience in kids, which can help reduce the severity and longevity of symptoms such as anxiety and depression.

Our psychologists at Metta Psychology Group are here to provide you and your child with guidance and support as you navigate the grief process. Every child grieves a bit differently, and our counselors are specially trained to meet children where they are, while encouraging them to identify and process a variety of difficult feelings. In response to loss, children can experience sadness, guilt and anger, sleep and concentration problems, and/or unwillingness to talk about the loss. Our psychologists will teach you how to respond to your child’s unique needs in a developmentally appropriate way, including finding appropriate words to discuss difficult topics of loss, grief, and death. Therapy can also help your child commemorate his or her loss, through finding meaningful ways to honor and celebrate the memory of a loved one or lost object. With the support of a counselor, parents will learn the value of speaking openly and honestly about the loss with their child, listening attentively and without judgment, and practicing quality self-care.

Therapy is a safe, welcoming place for kids to talk about their feelings, ask questions, and receive validation and support during the pain and complexity of grief and mourning.