Guiding Children Through Grief: The Power of Play Therapy

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In this episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, Traci Arieli sits down with Liana Lowenstein, a registered social worker and child psychotherapist specializing in helping children navigate grief through play therapy. Together, they discuss how children experience grief differently from adults, the transformative role of play therapy, and practical strategies for parents, caregivers, and educators to support grieving children. 

Key takeaways include: 

• How children process grief in "doses" and why their behavior often communicates their feelings. 
• The unique benefits of play therapy in helping children express overwhelming emotions. 
• Strategies for supporting children experiencing anticipatory grief. 
• The importance of open communication and modeling healthy expressions of grief. 

Liana also shares actionable tips and valuable resources for families and professionals, including the significance of creating "continuing bonds" with loved ones and involving children in meaningful rituals.  

Links/Resources: 

• Guest: Liana Lowenstein’s Website - https://www.lianalowenstein.com 
• Host: Traci Arieli's Website - https://www.comfortingclosure.com 
• The Dougy Center - https://www.dougy.org 
• United States Association for Play Therapy (APT) - https://www.a4pt.org/ 
• Canadian Association for Play Therapy (CAPT) - https://canadianplaytherapy.com/