Finding a Grief Counselor for Children who “Don’t Want to Talk About It”.
There’s a reason people come to San Diego for their vacation. It's an enviable place to live. For all the wonderful things about our city, one thing that can be a challenge is being far from family. Many San Diegans are transplants from other states. So, when people here experience a major loss, it can be difficult to get the support they need.
If you are experiencing a loss, your grief may feel unbearable. Yet each day you do your best to care for your children. It may be a loss that affects them too, and they “Don’t want to talk about it”. It may be that they can’t talk about it.
Either it’s too traumatic, or they fear making you feel sadder. You’re left wondering if they're processing the loss and making a healthy adaption. A San Diego Grief Counseling Specialist can help.
Find a therapist who works with children.
Many therapists work with all ages from littles to adults well into their 80s. Some therapists specialize more with certain ages or populations. When taking a child to therapy, it’s important to find someone who has some specialized training with kids.
A child who “doesn’t want to talk about it”, can’t be forced to talk. Yet, a child-centered therapist will engage a child in such a way, that they will communicate thoughts, feelings, and “their story”.
It can be difficult to find therapists who work with children. There are several different mental health licenses and credentials. Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists (LMFTS) are required to gain at least 500 pre-licensed, supervised hours with couples, families, and/or children. You will also find Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) and Licensed Professional Clinical Counselors (LPCC) who work with children. As well as Clinical Psychologists.
2. Find a therapist who has training in grief and loss
Many therapists have done pre-licensed hours through different hospice organizations as interns. Previous work with hospice includes extensive training in bereavement care and complicated grief.
Some grief counselors have worked in hospital settings alongside chaplains and gained a depth of experience with grief and loss. I suggest searching for a therapist who also has experience with children with a license of LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, or Ph.D.
3. Find a child therapist with “other” specialized training
What is “other” specialized training? Some grief counselors are also Registered Play Therapists, Music Therapists, or Art Therapists. The use of music, art, and play employed by a skilled therapist can be the key to helping your child “who doesn’t want to talk about it”.
Through these types of therapies, your child may respond better. They may be able to express their overwhelming sadness, rage, or fears about the future. Through creative processes, children also work through their grief and loss in ways that come more naturally. And may feel safer.