teen Grief and Loss
counselling support in Edmonton & Sherwood Park
Has your teen or young adult experienced…
serious health diagnosis
death of a parent, friend or family member
loss of an important relationship
family separation or divorce
if you are experiencing grief or loss, you may experience:
changes in sleeping or eating habits
waves of emotion
excessive worry
outbursts of anger
physical or emotional isolation
overuse of substances, including alcohol
CHILD AND TEEN GRIEF
Grief can feel unpredictable and overwhelming, affecting every part of your teen or young adult’s life. It’s common to experience a mix of emotions—sadness, anger, guilt, confusion, or even relief—sometimes all at once. The loss of a loved one may force young people to grow up faster than their peers as they try to make sense of a new and unfamiliar reality. Compassionate support during this time is essential in helping them process their grief and continue healthy emotional development.
Children and teens often express grief differently than adults, and their reactions may change over time. Younger children may struggle to understand the permanence of loss, while teens may suppress their emotions in an effort to appear strong or “normal” around peers. Grief can surface through behavior changes such as irritability, academic difficulties, withdrawal, or physical complaints like headaches and stomachaches. These responses are not signs of misbehavior, but rather expressions of pain and confusion as they attempt to process their loss.
Because children and teens are still developing emotionally, they may revisit their grief at different stages of life, especially during important transitions or milestones. Ongoing support helps them build emotional awareness, language for their feelings, and coping skills that can evolve as they grow. Counseling provides a consistent, trusted space where young people can ask difficult questions, make meaning of their experience, and learn that even in the midst of loss, they are not alone and healing is possible.
Through therapy, your teen or young adult can learn healthy coping strategies to navigate intense emotions, honor their loss, and gradually adjust to life after the change. Support can also help them rebuild routines, reconnect with relationships, and find ways to experience joy again, even while still carrying the memory of what they have lost. With guidance, they can move toward a place of acceptance, resilience, and hope for the future.
