Understanding Your Child’s Grief

When your child is hurting, you hurt too. Grief can show up differently in children than in adults. You may notice:

Withdrawal from friends or family
Sudden anger or defiance
Sleep problems or frequent stomach aches

Seeming “fine” one moment, then overwhelmed the next
As a parent, it’s natural to wonder: Am I saying the right things? Am I missing signs my child is struggling more deeply? Will this pain affect them long-term?

This is where child grief counselling can make a difference.

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Why Early Support Matters

Without the right support, grief can quietly shape a child’s self-esteem, friendships, and even school performance. Some children carry unspoken guilt, confusion, or fear that can linger for years.

Parents often describe feeling torn — wanting to comfort their child but not knowing what their child really needs.

How Counselling Helps Children Heal

At Eckert Centre, our Psychologists and Certified Canadian Counsellors provide a safe, compassionate space for children and teens to process grief. Using age-appropriate approaches like play therapy, expressive arts, and family systems counselling, we help kids express what they might not have words for yet.
For children whose grief is connected to trauma, our clinicians may also incorporate trauma-informed therapies such as EMDR, Internal Family Systems (IFS), or Havening techniques to help the nervous system restore a sense of safety.

With support, children learn to:

  • Understand and name feelings of sadness, anger, or fear
  • Build coping skills to manage overwhelming emotions
  • Develop healthy ways to remember and honour their loved one
  • Reconnect with hope and joy in everyday life

Parents are also given strategies to continue supporting their child at home.

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Why Families Choose Eckert Centre

  • 20+ Years of Caring for Families – Serving Calgary since 2001, with families regularly visiting our Calgary Centre from Airdrie and Cochrane.
  • Child-Focused Expertise – Our Psychologists and Certified Canadian Counsellors are trained in child and teen grief therapy.
  • Convenient Location – Our Calgary clinic offers free parking, and we also provide secure online counselling anywhere in Alberta.
  • Insurance-Friendly – While we don’t direct bill, we provide same-day emailed receipts that can be quickly uploaded to your provider’s portal for reimbursement.

We also support couples who are grieving together through our Couples Therapy services.

What to Expect When You Reach Out

Book an Appointment or Free Consultation – Choose the option that works best for your family.

Book an Appointment if you’re ready to begin counselling.

Free Consultation Call if you have questions before committing.

Attend Sessions In-Person or Online – Your child will meet with a caring professional at our Calgary clinic or through secure online counselling.
See Your Child Reconnect With Hope – Together, we’ll build a plan that helps your child process grief and move forward with strength.

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Take the First Step Toward Healing

You don’t have to face your child’s grief alone. The sooner support begins, the sooner healing can take root. At Eckert Centre, we’re committed to Caring for Families through every stage of life’s journey.

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Caring for Families in Calgary since 2001
Serving Calgary and surrounding areas, including Airdrie and Cochrane.