Navigating Grief: Theory And Techniques for Working with Children and Youth Who Have Experienced Loss.

Grief and loss are universal yet deeply personal experiences. Many children and youth we support experience complex forms of grief, including ambiguous, cumulative, and disenfranchised loss, which can significantly impact mental health and coping. This workshop will deepen helping professionals' understanding of grief while providing practical tools to support children, youth, (and adults) who are experiencing loss. Participants will explore theoretical frameworks and learn how to address grief in a developmentally appropriate context. The afternoon will include creative strategies and interventions to supporting grief with children and youth.

Learning Objectives:

Understand Grief and Loss:

• Define different types of grief (e.g., anticipatory, complicated, disenfranchised).
• Recognize how grief presents differently in children, youth, and adults.

Theoretical Frameworks of Grief:

• Explore key models of grief, including Kübler-Ross, Worden, and the Dual Process Model.

Complex, Compounded, and Disenfranchised Grief:

• Recognize the impact of cumulative or unresolved grief on mental health.
• Understand how traumatic loss differs from other grief experiences.

Cultural Perspectives on Grief:

• Explore how culture shapes grief responses and expressions.
• Learn to apply culturally responsive practices when supporting grieving clients.

Identifying Triggers and Grief Reactions:

• Learn to recognize common grief triggers, both immediate and delayed.
• Understand behavioral and emotional responses associated with grief.

Talking about Loss

• Understand how children think about and understand death across development and their informational needs at different stages.
• Suggestions for how to talk about different types of loss (preparing for loss, loss related to substance use, loss by suicide)

Interventions and Techniques for Grief:

• Provide examples of narrative, creative, and somatic techniques for grief in children and youth
• Identify ways to build supportive environments; engaging families and communities in supporting grieving children and youth.

• Registration Fee: $249 per person
• Max Capacity: 30 persons
• Length: 1 Day (7 Hours)
• Date(s): October 8, 2026
• Start Time: 9:00 a.m.

Julie Walsh

Julie Walsh holds a Master’s in Social Work and has practiced child and family therapy for almost 15 years, working primarily with children, youth, and adults involved with Family Services. Her focus on trauma, attachment, regulation, and reunification has led her to develop manuals, workshops, and training programs for a variety of government and non-profit agencies throughout Manitoba and Eastern Canada.