Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief: Supporting Loss and Facilitating Growth

Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief incorporates theory, clinical applications, case studies, and current research on contemporary models of grief pertaining to children and adolescents. The integration of developmental perspectives, attachment theory, and neurobiological implications provides a thorough summary of the many factors that can affect a child's growth and development, and the subsequent influence on grief expression. Chapters explore relevant social topics rarely addressed in other texts, such as the death of African American men, suicide among Aboriginal youth in Canada, death/suicide among LGBTQ youth and social media's influence. Also included are practical tips for helping professionals who want to better understand how grief and loss affect children and teens, as well as a meditation guide that provides concrete opportunities for growth and healing.

Carrie Arnold, MEd, has been an adjunct faculty in thanatology and psychology at King’s University College, Western University since 2005. She is a Canadian Certified Counsellor with the Canadian Counselling and Psychotherapy Association and is registered with the Ontario College of Social Workers and Social Service Workers. She has provided psychotherapy and counseling to children, adolescents, and adults since 1999.