Helping Children Deal with Grief

INTERVENTION PRINCIPLES

1. DEVELOPMENTALLY APPROPRIATE INFORMATION

2. EMPATHIC ENCOURAGEMENT

3. EMOTIONAL RELOCATION

4. IDENTIFICATION OF SUPPORT

5. RECOGNIZING ANNIVERSARIES

6. INTERPRETING NORMAL BEHAVIOR

7. IDENTIFYING DEFENSES & COPING STYLES

FIVE GUIDELINES

1. Make information understandable – don’t use euphemisms

2. Help child feel significant

3. Normalize distress that child has seen in others

4. Repeat child’s thoughts/feelings

5. Encourage continued involvement using appropriate activities

The Counseling Team International

1881 Business Center Drive, Suite 11

San Bernardino, CA 92408

(909) 884-0133