As is the case with adults, children deal with grief in unique ways, according to the New York State Office of Mental Health. Children's interests are often best served through counseling. Many different counseling techniques exist for children attempting to deal with grief and loss.
Peer-to-Peer Techniques
Most children communicate with and relate better with their peers than with adults, according to Tufts University. Many communities maintain organizations that specifically provide peer-to-peer opportunities between children trying to deal with grief-related issues. These groups engage children in social activities, educational programs and counseling--usually in a group setting. By learning they are not alone, that other people like them share similar issues and concerns, children gain a foundation to resolve grief issues.
Group Techniques
Mixed group therapy represents a technique used for a grieving child, according to the Children's Grief Educational Association. Mixed group therapy involves people of different ages, with similar types of issues or problems. Often, these types of groups can be accessed through community mental health centers and religious organizations.
Individual Techniques
Individual therapy is a grief counseling technique provided to children, according to "The Journey Through Grief and Loss: Helping Yourself and Your Child When Grief Is Shared," by Robert Zucker. Individual therapy is recommended in situations in which a child is having an obviously difficult time resolving issues surrounding the loss of a loved one and sustained grief. Some counselors and therapists specialize in assisting children, including young people with grief-related issues.
Family Therapy Techniques
Family support of children during the grieving process is essential to healing, according to Zucker. A useful grief counseling technique that proves effective in many situations is family therapy, involving the child and close family members. Family therapy aimed at a child's grief issues typically involves family sessions, as well as occasional limited sessions involving the child alone and family members separately.
References
- New York State Office of Mental Health: Grief Counseling Resource Guide
- "The Journey Through Grief and Loss: Helping Yourself and Your Child When Grief Is Shared"; Robert Zucker; 2009
