Supporting Children And Teens
Through Their Grief
Losing a parent is one of the most profound losses a child or teenager can experience. It can be confusing, overwhelming, and life-changing. I take this responsibility seriously, providing a safe and supportive space where young people can express their emotions in whatever way feels right for them.
My goal is to help children and teens navigate their world without their parent, finding ways to process their grief while still feeling connected, understood, and supported.
Grief can be heavy, but that doesn’t mean every session has to be.
Play therapy and creative expression are key parts of my work with younger children, offering them a way to explore emotions that might be too difficult to put into words.
For teens, I create a relaxed and judgment-free environment where they can talk openly, engage in activities that help process their feelings, and develop coping strategies to manage the changes in their lives.
Every child and teenager grieves in their own way, and I tailor my approach to meet them where they are. Whether it’s through play, conversation, art, storytelling or other therapeutic techniques, my focus is on helping them feel safe, heard and supported as they adjust to life after loss.
My job is to try to help them make sense of their new world.
And if your mum or dad has died and you are reading this, come and tell me what it is like; tell me all about it. I promise to never tell you what I think you should be feeling.
Supporting Kids and Teens through play therapy and counselling
Some of the most inspired work I do is with kids because they are creative and we create together. Through play therapy we explore the world together and tackle problems as they arise. I am aware each child or teen is part of a family unit and it is important to see the child in the context of their own life – at school and at home.
I work to build a strong relationship with each child that is supportive and allows them the opportunity to have another adult in their life who they can access as a support person.
Many of the kids I see are not bereaved, they meet with me due to concern from a parent or teacher regarding personality or learning issues such as anxiety, obsessive behaviours or other things that are affecting them at school and at home.
What I see is the amazing gift I have been given, to get to know this young person and to find out all they have to offer so if you let me meet your child, I will take the responsibility seriously and will endeavour to provide you value for money and to try to efficiently work out the best way forward as I know navigating the world of paediatric services can be extremely challenging and costly.
So it will look like playing, but we will be working hard!