Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Childhood grief is a child’s response to losing someone or something important—like a loved one, a pet, or a big life change such as moving house or school. It doesn’t always look like sadness; kids might act out, become clingy, struggle with sleep, or seem unaffected. Because they process grief differently to adults, their emotions can come in waves and shift over time. Treatment for childhood grief often involves gentle support, open conversations, and helping kids make sense of their feelings. If grief is ongoing or starts to impact everyday life, a psychologist can offer age-appropriate strategies to help them cope and heal.
These reactions are all part of how kids try to understand and cope with big emotions. If the grief is intense or ongoing, it might be helpful to chat to a psychologist about treatment for childhood grief.
Crying or sadness – though not all children show emotions this way
Anger, irritability or acting out – especially if they can’t express what they’re feeling
Clinginess or separation anxiety – wanting to stay close to a parent or carer
Withdrawal – not wanting to play, talk, or do things they normally enjoy
Changes in sleep or appetite – sleeping more, less, or having bad dreams
Physical symptoms – like tummy aches or headaches with no clear cause
Trouble concentrating – especially at school or during tasks
Asking the same questions repeatedly – as they try to make sense of the loss
Worry about others dying or something bad happening – even after reassurance
1 in 20 Australian children will lose a parent before age 18
Only 1 in 10 bereaved children receive professional support
Seasons for Growth has supported over 260,000 Australians since 1996
In 2023, a national grief program supported nearly 500 Australian children, a 13% increase from the year before
A 2024 meta-analysis published in the Journal of Affective Disorders reviewed 43 studies on grief support for children and adolescents. The research found that psychosocial interventions—including grief-focused therapy, trauma-informed CBT, group programs, and creative therapies—can make a significant positive impact. These approaches led to medium to large improvements in symptoms like sadness, anxiety, behavioural issues and trauma-related distress.
The study highlighted that grief in children and teens looks different to how adults experience it. Kids might not always talk about their feelings, and their grief can come in waves or show up through behaviour, sleep issues or even physical symptoms. That’s why treatment for childhood grief needs to be age-appropriate, developmentally informed, and sensitive to their unique needs.
What’s clear from the research is that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. The most effective treatment for childhood grief is tailored to the child’s age, developmental stage, and the nature of their loss. Some kids may need a few sessions to process things, while others may benefit from ongoing support—especially if the grief is complicated by trauma or other mental health challenges.
If you’re concerned about a child or teen who’s experienced a significant loss, a psychologist trained in grief and trauma support can help. With the right tools and guidance, most children can move through their grief in a healthy, supported way and come out stronger on the other side.
*Source: The efficacy of psychosocial interventions for grief symptoms in bereaved children and adolescents: A systematic review and meta-analysis – ScienceDirect | Journal of Affective Disorders
Kids may cry, act out, or stay quiet—there’s no “right” way to grieve.
Structure helps children feel safe when everything else feels uncertain.
Let children see you express emotions and seek support—it teaches resilience.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, with Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We use evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT), to tailor treatment for childhood grief.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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