Questions For Children To Ask A Grief Counselor

The loss of a loved one can be difficult for anyone to bear, but it can be especially unfathomable for impressionable children. To help them deal with grief and integrate the loss into their lives, children who are in mourning should see a grief counselor. This new experience can be scary at first to kids who are already going through a huge life change, so sit them down with some specific questions that they can ask in their first session. That should give them a sense of control over the situation and make it easier to handle.

Help your kids come up with a few simple questions of their own. If they need suggestions, you may want to offer these questions that children can ask a grief counselor. Not only will these questions help kids feel comfortable and open up to the therapist, but they also can help them learn about the importance of therapy in the first place.

What Are Our Sessions Usually Going to Be Like?

Change is hard, especially in the midst of such a huge upheaval in their lives. Grieving children will benefit from learning exactly what to expect with each therapy session. The therapist is likely to be very willing to explain what the sessions will entail.

Can I Ask You for Advice?

Grief counselors have their own approach, and this question gives the counselor a chance to explain the type of advice, feedback, and guidance that he or she is willing to give. The answer to this question also allows the counselor to set boundaries in a gentle way.

How Soon Will It Be Until I Feel Better?

Of course no counselor or therapist in the world will be able to give a definitive answer to this question, but it presents the counselor with the opportunity to explain a bit more about how therapy works. The counseling process should be demystified for kids to be able to trust that it is going to be able to help them in tangible, real ways. Knowing that they can't expect to miraculously feel better after one or two therapy sessions can prevent unrealistic expectations that can lead to pain and frustration.

Finally, keep in mind that preparing children for their first session with a grief counselor is a good idea. Simply talking about it will ease the tension. Furthermore, explaining that the therapist cares and is there to help can go a long way toward helping your child adjust to therapy and deal with this difficult time.

For more information, contact a professional like those found at Gillies Funeral Chapel.