When a child experiences loss, parents often feel unsure how to help. You may notice changes in behaviour, emotions, sleep, or school functioning—and wonder whether what you’re seeing is a normal part of grieving or a sign your child needs more support.
At Eckert Psychology & Education Centre, we provide child grief counselling for families navigating the loss of a loved one, as well as other significant losses that deeply affect children, such as divorce, separation, illness, or the death of a pet or friend. Our role is to help children process grief in ways that fit their age, development, and unique emotional world—while supporting parents as they care for a grieving child.
When Grief Shows Up in Children
Children grieve differently than adults, and their grief often looks less like sadness and more like change. Grief may surface in waves, come and go unexpectedly, or show up in ways that don’t immediately seem connected to loss.
Parents often seek child grief counselling when they notice:
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emotional outbursts, irritability, or increased anxiety
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withdrawal, clinginess, or changes in attachment
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regression in behaviour, sleep, or toileting
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difficulty concentrating or changes in school performance
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physical complaints such as stomach aches or headaches
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questions about death, safety, or fears of further loss
It’s also common for children to grieve in bursts—appearing “fine” one moment and deeply distressed the next. This does not mean they are avoiding grief or doing it “wrong.” It reflects how children process loss in developmentally appropriate ways.
Typical Grief vs. When a Child May Need Extra Support
Many children are able to move through grief with the support of caring adults, routine, and time. However, some children benefit from counselling when grief becomes overwhelming, prolonged, or begins to interfere with daily life.
Child grief counselling may be especially helpful if:
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intense distress continues without softening over time
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grief reactions increase rather than ease
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your child seems stuck, numb, or unable to express feelings
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anxiety, fears, or behavioural changes significantly affect functioning
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grief is compounded by trauma, sudden loss, or previous losses
Our work is not about rushing grief or “fixing” feelings. It’s about helping children process loss safely, regain emotional stability, and develop tools to carry grief without being overtaken by it.
Our Approach to Child Grief Counselling at Eckert Centre
At Eckert Centre, we understand grief as both an emotional experience and a relational one. Children grieve within the context of their family, relationships, routines, and sense of safety in the world.
Our approach is guided by the Eckert Centre Well-Being Model™, which recognizes that a child’s well-being is shaped by interconnected areas:
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their internal emotional and nervous system experience
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their relationships with caregivers and loved ones
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the family environment and broader support system
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the meaning they are making of the loss and how it fits into their world
Rather than focusing only on symptoms, we help children understand and express their grief in ways that feel safe and manageable. We also support parents in responding with confidence, attunement, and clarity—so children do not carry grief alone.
When grief is connected to trauma, sudden loss, or overwhelming experiences, our therapists may integrate trauma-informed approaches, including EMDR, in developmentally appropriate ways.
What Child Grief Counselling Looks Like
Child grief counselling is tailored to each child’s age, personality, and needs. Sessions may include:
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play-based and expressive activities that allow children to communicate without pressure
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gentle conversations that help children make sense of loss
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support for emotional regulation and coping with big feelings
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guidance for parents on how to talk about grief at home
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space to explore fears, questions, or worries about safety and loss
Counselling is paced carefully. Some children benefit from short-term support during a difficult period, while others return during later developmental stages when grief resurfaces in new ways.
When helpful, child grief counselling may be combined with parent support counselling or child counselling to address broader emotional or behavioural needs.
Why Families Choose Eckert Centre
Child grief counselling is part of our broader counselling services at Eckert Centre, allowing families to access coordinated support as their child’s needs evolve over time.
Families choose Eckert Centre because they want grief support that is thoughtful, developmentally informed, and grounded in real understanding of children and families.
Parents value that we offer:
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experienced psychologists and counsellors trained in child grief and trauma
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a whole-family lens, recognizing that grief affects everyone
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child-centred, attachment-informed care
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support that adapts as children grow and grief evolves
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integrated services when additional counselling or assessment is helpful
We understand that grief does not follow a straight line. Our role is to walk alongside families with steadiness, compassion, and care that honours each child’s process.
The Power of 8™: A Gentle Structure for Grief Support
Grief work benefits from consistency, safety, and flexibility. At Eckert Centre, we often begin with our Power of 8™ model to help families feel oriented and supported.
Children typically start with weekly sessions to build trust and emotional safety. Around the midpoint, grief responses may shift as deeper feelings emerge—this is a normal and meaningful part of the process.
At the eight-session mark, we pause to reflect together:
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how grief is showing up now
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what has softened or changed
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what support is still needed
From there, counselling may continue weekly, move to bi-weekly sessions, or become more periodic. Some families return during anniversaries, developmental milestones, or new losses.
This rhythm helps grief support feel intentional and contained, while allowing space for healing to unfold naturally.
Taking the Next Step
If your child has experienced a loss and you’re unsure how best to support them, child grief counselling can help bring clarity and relief—for both your child and your family.
We offer child grief counselling in Calgary, with easy access for families in Airdrie, Cochrane, and Okotoks. Secure virtual sessions are available across Alberta, depending on your child’s needs.
You can:
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Book a first session (New Client: Child Counselling), or
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Schedule a free consultation call to talk through your concerns and explore whether this support is the right fit
You don’t have to know exactly what your child needs before reaching out. We’re here to help you take the next step with care and confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most extended health benefits plans cover counselling with a Registered Psychologist. Sessions with a Certified Canadian Counsellor may also be covered depending on your plan. While we do not direct bill, we provide same-day emailed receipts for quick reimbursement through your provider’s online portal.
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.
Caring for Families in Calgary since 2001
Serving Calgary and surrounding areas, including Airdrie and Cochrane.
