Bereavement Professionals’ Insights

Left Out: Enfranchising Children’s Grief and Loss

By: Jessica Milette, MSW, RSW All human beings have the capacity to grieve: people with intellectual disabilities, those living with a traumatic brain injury, and children of all ages. However, many people can experience disenfranchised grief when someone dies. Disenfranchised grief is generally grief that is not usually openly acknowledged, socially accepted or publicly mourned.…

Christian – “Grief can bring new life”

Christian explains where he found hope in grief.

Christian – “Jeff’s Story”

Christian tells Jeff”s story… the good and his struggles.

Jen – “1st year non-judgmental”

Jen discusses the ups and downs of the 1st year.

Corrie – Grief is like a rollercoaster

Corrie talks about grief over time

Janice – “It’s hard work”

Janice explains that hard work is necessary to reach the calm and peace.

Christian – “Grief can shape you”

Christian talks about realizing the impact grief has.

Rev. Sky – “The grief tunnel”

Rev. Sky talks about going forward and growing in the grief process.

Amanda – “Reach out”

Amanda discusses the importance of connecting with others.

Claudia – You do not have to be an artist to do art therapy

Claudia explains why you do not have to be an artist to benefit

Claudia – My story

Claudia tells her story about art and grief

Shannon – Hope for Healing

Shannon shares about losing her husband to suicide, her parents and her father-in-law. She felt broken and to be able to take care of her kids and her self seemed overwhelming. It took someone telling her that you can heal from trauma to give her hope for healing.