Grief accompanies loss. It can feel all-encompassing and is a natural experience when one experiences loss. It can be accompanied by guilt, confusion or anger if the relationship to the loss or lost loved one was complicated, or still developing as in the case of a child or adolescent. Some individuals experience “complicated grief”, which is associated with grief remaining for an extended period of time and interfering in daily life through depressive episodes, isolation and feelings of loneliness and anger.

How can a parent coach help a parent support their child who is struggling with grief and loss?

First, it is important to note that a parent coach is not a mental health professional treating your child. A parent coach can collaborate with members of your therapeutic team treating your child, so that they can help you best support your child. Your coach helps you to understand how grief may be affecting your childʻs behavioral and daily life.Your coach helps you to shift your interactions, responses and household structure to better support your child physically and emotionally as they manage the complex process of navigating grief and loss. Additionally, we will coach you with tools for talking about grief in the home, identifying related emotions and behaviors associated with grief and strategies for managing them in healthier ways.

How can a parent coach help a parent manage their own struggles with grief and loss?

A parent managing their own complex grief might find it difficult to be emotionally available to their child, as they manage their own feelings of anger, loneliness and / or guilt. A coach can help you evaluate the resources you need to be supported in this process so that you can be available to your child in a different way. Likewise, a coach can help guide you through ways of communicating with and setting up time with your child that helps you find the space together to move through grief.

If you need support in this area and want to explore our contract options, please BOOK A CONSULTATION today.