Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief

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.

"Carrie Arnold's Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief offers a treasure trove for educators and clinicians. The authors skillfully weave sound and current grief theory, solid developmental perspectives, and clinical practice in a rich tapestry. Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief provides both breadth and depth as it explores a range of issues from life-limiting illness to suicide. It includes an unusual sensitivity to diversity that encompasses such areas as death among the African American community as well as suicide among Aboriginal youth in Canada and LBGT adolescents. Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief should be read by clinicians, educators, and anyone who works with that so vulnerable population.Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, professor, The Graduate School, The College of New Rochelle, senior consultant, The Hospice Foundation of America"This book provides a solid foundation for understanding the needs of grieving children and adolescents. The contributing authors present contemporary theories and practical applications, moving beyond single-focused ‘mental disorder’ issues into how social, political, and cultural influences contribute to both challenges and growth potential for bereaved youth. I highly recommend it for clinicians, grief professionals, and anyone wanting to increase their knowledge of this often misunderstood population."Donna Schuurman, EdD, FT, executive director emeritus, The Dougy Center for Grieving Children and Families"Understanding Child and Adolescent Grief demonstrates that we still have much to learn about the many dimensions of loss, grief, bereavement, and mourning experienced by children and adolescents. Carrie Arnold and her contributors explore all of the principal types of losses experienced by youngsters (and more), while emphasizing throughout a holistic perspective of caring. This is an impressive book, especially valuable for its breadth, depth, and strong cohort of Canadian contributors."Charles A. Corr, PhD, recipient of the Herman Feifel Award for Outstanding Achievement in Thanatology from the International Work Group on Death, Dying, and Bereavement (November, 2016)

• Foreword Darcy Harris Acknowledgments About the Editor About the Contributors 1. Introduction Carrie Arnold 2. Developmental Considerations for Grieving Youth Carrie Arnold 3. Assessing Grief and Loss in Children and Adolescents Stephanie Rabenstein 4. Disenfranchised Grief Among Bereaved Youth Carine Blin and Christine Jonas-Simpson 5. Death of a Parent in Childhood or Adolescence Eunice Gorman and Carrie Arnold 6. A Lifetime Loss: Death of a Sibling Adam Koenig 7. Expressive Arts Following the Death of a Friend Sheila O’Donovan 8. The Unique Needs of Children with Life-Limiting Illness Lisa Pearlman 9. Understanding Trauma and Grief Complications Jenifer Freedy 10. Suicide in Children and Adolescents: An OverviewRebecca T. Machado 11. Grief and Loss Among First Nations and African American Youth Tashel Bordere and James Larsen 12. Loss and Resilience in Gender and Sexual Minority Youth Kip G. Williams 13. Grief, Adolescents, and Social Media Carla Sofka 14. Supporting Resilience in Grieving Kids in Today’s WorldLinda Goldman 15. Ethical Practice and Maintaining Well-Being Adam Koenig and Carrie Arnold Appendix: JUST KEEP BREATHING! Mindful Breath Awareness: A Brief Manual for Kids of All Ages Brad Hunter