Grief and Loss in Childhood: Clinical Applications

Grief and Loss in Childhood: Clinical Applications 

Course Description:

Deaths and other losses occur across the lifespan. Developmentally, we understand death and grief differently as we learn and grow. Without proper knowledge and understanding of the factors that influence one's grief experience and how its manifestations and impacts differ across the lifespan, it runs the risk of going unnoticed; potentially interfering with future mental health and well-being.

This training will provide education on how grief manifests in children and how to properly talk to children about death and grief. It will also discuss strategies to promote effective grief processing work with children, as well as provide education on how grief affects the entire family system. Participants will gain a variety of resources to further their work with children who are grieving.

Objectives:

1. Gain an understanding on how to implement accurate language and other skills when addressing grief with clients

2. Identify 3-4 factors that influence how individuals learn and process grief during childhood

3. Gain 2-3 strategies to guide children who are grieving in processing and making sense of the loss and grief

4. Discuss individual experiences of grief and its impact on interpersonal relationships, particularly within the family system

Meet the Trainer: Brittany Squillace, MA, LMFT

Brittany Squillace, MA, LMFT is a mental health therapist and founder of Best Self Therapy. Brittany’s mission through Best Self Therapy is to instill hope in grieving adults to change the way they view, talk about, and navigate grief. Through her specialty of grief and loss, Brittany guides clients in making meaning of their losses and remaining connected in their relationship(s) with the deceased. Brittany’s grief specialization also includes guiding clients in finding peace amongst ambiguous or non-death losses. Brittany values creating a safe and non-judgmental space, allowing clients to discover how to continue living as their best selves while honoring their unique grief journey.