Childhood Grief & Loss Support in Coquitlam
Helping a child navigate the death of a loved one, a cherished pet, or a significant loss is one of the most difficult tasks a parent can face. At Strong River Counselling, we recognize that children grieve differently than adults. They often "dip" in and out of grief, processing their loss through play, questions, and sometimes, challenging behaviors.
We provide a specialized, safe harbor for children in the Tri-Cities to process bereavement and find a path toward healing.
How Children Express Grief: What to Look For
Because children under 13 often lack the words to express deep loss, their grief "speaks" through their actions. You might notice:
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Play Re-enactment: Using toys to act out scenes of illness, death, or "goodbyes."
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Regression: A sudden need for more help with daily tasks, bed-wetting, or intense Separation Anxiety.
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Big Behavioral Shifts: Increased Meltdowns, irritability, or acting out as they struggle with feelings they can’t name.
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Physical Complaints: Stomach aches or "heaviness" in their chest or body.
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Anxiety About Safety: New fears about the safety of other loved ones or themselves.
Why Specialized Support for Children Under 13 is Vital
Many community resources focus on teen or adult grief. However, younger children require a developmentally specific approach.
The Language of Play in Bereavement
For a child, play is the work of grieving. In our Coquitlam office, we use Play Therapy to help children externalize their sadness and confusion. Through art, storytelling, and sand-tray work, we help them create a "continuing bond" with the person or pet they have lost, allowing them to carry the love forward without being stuck in the pain.
How to Support Your Grieving Child at Home
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Be Honestly Simple: Use clear, age-appropriate language (avoiding euphemisms like "went to sleep").
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Follow Their Lead: If they want to play 5 minutes after a big cry, let them. This "puddle jumping" is how children regulate their grief.
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Create Rituals: Help your child find a way to honor the loss, such as planting a flower, drawing a picture, or keeping a "memory box."
Our Approach: Supporting the Whole Family
Grief doesn't happen in a vacuum. We provide Parenting Support to help you navigate your child’s questions and manage the "grief bursts" that occur during holidays, birthdays, and milestones.
Meet Your Clinical Director:
Destinee Kreil, MCP, RCC
Destinee Kreil provides a compassionate, steady presence for families walking through the valley of loss. She is dedicated to ensuring that no child in the Tri-Cities has to navigate grief alone, providing the clinical expertise and heart-centered care needed to foster resilience and hope.
