When we think about grief, we usually think about what happens when someone we love dies. And that’s true—grief happens when someone passes away. But did you know that grief can happen for other reasons too?
What is Grief?
Grief is the feeling we get when we lose something or someone that’s really important to us. Imagine you have a favorite toy. One day, it breaks, and no matter how hard you try, you can’t fix it. You feel sad, maybe even mad. That’s grief too! Even though it’s not a person, you’ve lost something that made you happy, and that hurts.
Grief Can Happen in Many Situations
- Grief doesn’t just happen when someone dies. It can also happen when:
- Your parents get a divorce, and things at home feel different.
- You move to a new town and have to leave your friends behind.
- A good friend moves away, or you start spending less time together.
These changes can make you feel sad, confused, or even angry. That’s grief showing up in different ways.
Grief Feels Different for Everyone
- Grief isn’t just about feeling sad. Sometimes it can make you feel:
- Mad – You might feel angry because things aren’t the way they used to be.
- Tired – Grief can make you feel like you don’t have much energy.
- Confused – You might not understand why you feel the way you do.
- Quiet or Distant – You may not want to talk about what’s bothering you, and that’s okay.
Everyone feels grief in their own way. There’s no right or wrong way to feel. What’s important is knowing that it’s okay to have those feelings and that you’re not alone.
Tips to Help You Process Grief
When you’re feeling sad, mad, or confused after something changes, there are things you can do to help yourself feel better. Here are some ideas:
1. Draw or Color Your Feelings
Sometimes it’s hard to talk about feelings, but drawing pictures can help. You can draw a picture of what you’re feeling inside or draw something that reminds you of what you’ve lost.
2. Write a Story or Letter
If you’re missing someone or something, write them a letter. You don’t have to give it to anyone, but writing your feelings down can help you understand them better.
3. Play It Out
When you play with toys, stuffed animals, or action figures, you can use them to tell a story about what happened. This helps your brain and heart understand your feelings.
4. Talk to Someone You Trust
Talking about your feelings with a parent, teacher, or someone you trust can help. You don’t have to figure everything out alone.
5. Try Therapy with a Child Therapist
Therapy is a safe place where you can talk, play, draw, and share your feelings with someone who knows how to help. Child therapists use fun activities like sandtray, play, and art to help you feel better. They know how to help kids who are going through hard times.
Why Choose Eckert Centre?
- Specialized Child Therapists: Our team of child therapists is trained to help kids process their feelings through play, art, sandtray, and other fun activities that help children express what’s hard to say with words.
- Trauma-Informed & Compassionate Care: We understand that grief and loss can be scary and confusing for children. Our therapists create a safe and supportive space where kids can explore their feelings without fear of judgment.
- Experience with Big Feelings and Big Changes: Whether your child is dealing with a loss, adjusting to a divorce, or coping with a major life change, our therapists have the knowledge and tools to help them process their emotions in a healthy way.
- Flexible In-Person & Online Therapy Options: We make therapy accessible by offering secure online sessions across Alberta and in-person sessions in Calgary, Airdrie, and Cochrane.
- Direct Billing to Insurance Providers: We take the stress out of paying for therapy by offering direct billing and providing same-day emailed receipts for easy insurance submissions.
You Don’t Have to Do This Alone—We Are Here to Help
Watching your child experience grief or big emotions can be heartbreaking. You may feel unsure of how to help or what to say. That’s where we come in. Our team of child therapists is ready to provide a safe, supportive space where your child can explore their feelings and begin to heal.
Using play, art, and other creative tools, we help children express their emotions in a way that feels natural to them. Whether your child is grieving a loss, struggling with a major change, or feeling overwhelmed by big emotions, we’re here to guide them through the process with care and expertise.
Let’s help your child feel safe, supported, and understood.
Schedule a Consultation Today
Call us: 403-230-2959
Visit our website: www.eckertcentre.com
Book online: https://eckertpsychology.janeapp.com/
Email us: info@eckert-psychology.com
