Understanding and Supporting Bereaved Children

Book excerpt: This practical guide provides a framework and useful techniques for helping bereaved youth in numerous settings This welcomed addition to the field of childhood bereavement is brimming with innovative yet practical interventions for human service professionals helping grieving youth in a variety of settings. Written by noted experts with over 40 years of combined experience, this comprehensive “how to” book provides both a framework for understanding how grief impacts the lives of children, and models, techniques and interventions for individual, family, and group counseling. The book is based on best practices and the authors experience working with grieving families. It includes hands-on tips for interacting with and helping grieving children. Specific guidelines are provided for individual and group support including practical methods for creating meaningful spaces for young people to find help, encouragement, and healing. The book’s developmental, environmental, cultural, and social considerations equip professionals with the tools to better understand the mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual reactions of their young clients. Additionally, the book offers insightful information on professional accountability, ethical concerns, educational recommendations and training. Professionals who work with bereaved children daily and those who occasionally encounter them in their practice will find a wealth of resources in this book. Key Features: Brimming with innovative, practical interventions to support grieving children and teens Provides individual, family, and group counseling models, techniques, and interventions Embodies strategies for working with bereaved youth that can be used in a variety of settings, including mental health, health care, schools, and faith communities Offers a framework for understanding how grief impacts the lives of children