No Child Should Grieve Alone
Start the Healing Process with Grief Counseling
Grief therapy for your child on your own schedule via phone or online
Children process grief differently than adults do.
I work with children, helping them through their grief and I help educate parents on helping their grieving children.
A child is usually grieving the loss of someone whom others in the family are also grieving. Whether the child is grieving the loss of a parent (through a long illness or suddenly), or is mourning the death of a grandparent or close relative, his or her parents are also facing their own grief as well.
A child grieving a loss of can be accidentally overlooked
This means that children are often the “forgotten grievers.” This is not intentional, but as the adult focuses on his or her own grief, the signs from the grieving child are often missed. Since children cope with the loss differently, their grief stages are hard to spot.
While adults “settle into their” grief, children grieve in “bursts.” They grieve, then go on to the next activity.
This can make it hard to notice when a child is grieving, and it can be easy to miss when a child’s grief becomes consuming.
You May Have Questions Like These:
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Children often grieve in "bursts"—crying one minute and playing the next. Their grief might look like bedwetting, nightmares, trouble focusing, increased clinginess, changes in eating habits, or sudden outbursts. These signs are a child’s way of trying to understand and cope with a profound loss.
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While adults often move through grief in a continuous emotional process, children grieve in intervals. They may seem fine one moment and overwhelmed the next. Unlike adults, they don’t always have the language to express what they’re feeling, so their grief can surface through behavior or play.
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Grief counseling offers children a safe space to express their emotions and process the loss in a healthy way. Without support, children might internalize their feelings or act out in ways that mask deeper pain. With guidance, they learn to name their emotions, share their memories, and feel less alone.
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Through creative and gentle approaches like drawing, making feelings masks, play therapy, storytelling, "feelings cubes," and memory-sharing flash cards, children are invited to explore their emotions at their own pace. I use these tools and meet each child where they are, in each session.
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There is no right or wrong time. Whether the loss is recent or happened months—or even years—ago, children benefit from having a safe place to explore their feelings. Grief doesn’t follow a timeline, especially for children. It’s always easier, of course, to start sooner, rather than later.
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That’s okay. Many children don’t know how to start or are afraid of feeling more pain. I use non-threatening, creative activities to help children feel safe, understood, and in control of their sharing. Talking usually begins once they feel trust and comfort. And they can come to session with a snack, water or a stuffed animal too!
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Each session is tailored to your child. We may use play, art, stories, memory boxes, collages, energy/anger work, and guided conversations. The goal is to build a coping toolbox while honoring their loved one. Over time, children often feel more emotionally regulated, expressive, and even happy again. When sharing memories with me, I often see a child’s face light up with a smile or a laugh!
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If your child is withdrawing more each day, acting out persistently, or showing signs of depression, anxiety, or low self-worth, it may be time for professional support. Trust your gut—if something feels “off,” it’s worth exploring with a professional, trained grief counselor. I can help evaluate their need, if you’d like.
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Some children seem “okay” because they are trying to protect the adults around them—or they simply don’t know how to express their grief yet. Counseling isn’t just for children in visible distress—it’s also a proactive way to build emotional tools and provide a safe space just in case. It’s always great for kids to have a place to express their feeling to someone without worrying about being judged or upsetting someone.
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Absolutely. The depth of grief doesn’t always match the label of the relationship. Many children are deeply bonded with grandparents, and a loss can feel just as devastating. All grief is valid and worthy of support. In today’s society, grandparents often play pivotal roles in their grandchildren’s life.
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That’s more common than people realize. Every therapist has a different style. What makes my work effective is how I connect with children through creativity, honesty, and play. If your child didn’t open up before, it doesn’t mean they won’t—it may just require the right approach. Let’s try working together.
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Each child is different. Some may feel relief after a few sessions; others may benefit from longer support. We'll check in together often and adjust the plan based on your child’s comfort, progress, and needs. I stay with my clients until they no longer need my support.
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Yes. Grief doesn’t affect just one person—it touches the entire family, and family dynamics change critically once a loved one dies. offer guidance and education for parents, and can work with siblings or other relatives together or separately, depending on what’s most supportive.
Grief Counseling for Children Works
I’m so glad we found you because now my child has a place to express her feelings since her Dad died. I love the creativity and fun you use to make her feel comfortable. Of course, she still gets sad about her Dad, but she’s smiling and having fun again, too.
— Parent of a 9-year-old girl
After the sudden loss of his father just before the pandemic and then being stuck at home for months, my son was becoming inexpressive and uncommunicative. I had no idea how to help him. I’m relieved we found someone who could guide him through this experience.
— Mother of a 13-year-old boy
Please Note:
I am not “in network” with any insurance plans.
Losing A Parent Is Difficult For Children
Grief in children can look like this:
Crying, especially crying privately
Bedwetting
Lack of focus
Waking up at night and having nightmares
Reluctance to go to bed
Sudden clinging to a parent, teacher, or family member
Change in child’s energy level
Eating more or less than usual
Arguing, talking back more than usual, or tantrums
Sometimes, it’s hard to tap into the mind of a child, especially when they are trying to cope with death. Children often struggle to process their emotions at the best of times, and their anxiety, fear, and confusion when a parent dies can manifest in unhealthy ways.
Grief counseling for children can be a beneficial and often necessary solution.
Jill Cohen is a Nationally Recognized Grief Counselor
Jill Cohen, is a nationally recognized Grief Counselor, trusted by the New York Times, Prevention, Bravo, and many other media outlets. With more than 20 years of experience, Jill knows how to help grievers honor their loved ones and move forward into a new normal. Schedule a call to discuss how Jill can help you during this difficult time