Grief & Loss Therapy in Calgary
Supporting Children, Teens, and Families Through Change, Loss, and Healing
Grief can feel like the ache of losing someone, something, or a version of life you expected to last. For children and teens, grief is often confusing — it may come and go in waves, show up through behaviour, or feel hard to explain.
At Ten Child Psychology, we provide grief and loss therapy in Calgary for children, teens, and parents, helping families move through loss with care, understanding, and connection — without rushing the process.
Grief doesn’t follow a straight line.
Therapy offers a safe place to feel, remember, and heal together.
Understanding Grief in Children and Teens
When Life Changes, Love Stays
Grief is a natural response to loss, but it rarely looks the same from one person to the next. Children and teens may experience sadness, anger, confusion, guilt, or numbness — sometimes all in the same day.
Grief can arise from many types of loss, including:
The death of a loved one or pet
Family separation or divorce
Serious illness or changes in health
Moving homes, schools, or communities
Loss of routine, safety, or a sense of certainty
You might notice:
Withdrawal or changes in mood
Sudden waves of sadness or irritability
Difficulty sleeping or concentrating
Questions about death, fairness, or blame
Changes in behaviour, routines, or school engagement
Grief is not something to “fix.” Therapy helps children and teens make sense of what they’re feeling, rebuild emotional balance, and stay connected to the people who support them.
With understanding comes steadiness — space to heal.
Our Approach to Grief & Loss Therapy
Grief therapy at Ten Child Psychology is compassionate, flexible, and paced to the child or teen’s needs. We honour both emotional expression and meaning-making, allowing grief to be explored gently and safely.
Our psychologists may integrate:
Narrative Therapy - Helping children and teens tell their story of loss in a way that preserves connection and meaning.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) - Supporting emotional openness while reconnecting with what still matters.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) - Gently addressing guilt, self-blame, or unhelpful thoughts that can arise after loss.
Mindfulness and Compassion Practices - Grounding emotions and supporting nervous system regulation.
Play, Art, and Expressive Approaches - Especially helpful when words feel too hard or too small.
Each plan moves at the child or teen’s pace — blending structure with sensitivity so healing feels safe and real.
What Children and Teens Learn in Therapy
Grief therapy helps young people hold two truths at once: the pain of loss and the possibility of continuing life with connection and meaning.
They learn to:
Understand that grief comes in waves and changes over time
Express emotions safely without judgment
Develop coping tools for triggers, reminders, or anniversaries
Rebuild routines and emotional balance
Stay connected to memories and love without feeling overwhelmed
Strengthen communication with caregivers and family
Therapy creates permission — to feel, to remember, and to grow.
Supporting Children Through Grief
Making Sense of Loss Through Play and Connection
Children often grieve differently than adults. They may move between sadness and play, curiosity and confusion. Behaviour changes are often how children communicate grief.
You might notice:
Acting out, withdrawal, or regressive behaviour
Increased clinginess or separation anxiety
Repeated questions about loss or death
Changes in sleep, appetite, or mood
Difficulty focusing at school
Therapy helps children understand that love doesn’t disappear — it changes form. Through play, stories, and creative expression, children build emotional understanding and resilience.
Parents are included to help answer questions honestly and support healing at home.
→ Learn more about Child Therapy in Calgary and Emotion Regulation Therapy in Calgary for complementary support.
With safety comes strength — steady ground returns.
Supporting Teens Through Grief
Holding Space for Complexity and Identity
Teen grief often intersects with identity development, independence, and emotional intensity. Teens may feel pressure to “stay strong” while struggling internally.
You might notice:
Irritability, withdrawal, or emotional numbness
Sudden outbursts or shutdowns
Changes in motivation or school performance
Avoidance of reminders or conversations about loss
Feeling overwhelmed by emotions they can’t name
Grief therapy offers teens a private, non-judgmental space to process loss at their own pace — without pressure to move on or explain everything.
→ Explore Teen Therapy in Calgary for additional support through emotional overwhelm and change.
With permission comes healing — one step at a time.
Parent and Family Support
Grieving Together, Supporting Each Other
Grief often affects the entire family system. Parents may be grieving themselves while trying to support their child — which can feel overwhelming.
Parent and family sessions may include:
Understanding how grief shows up at different ages
Supporting children without minimizing or overwhelming emotions
Navigating differences in how family members grieve
Strengthening communication and connection
Creating rituals or routines that honour loss and healing
When families grieve together, healing feels less lonely.
Collaboration builds bridges. Bridges create breakthroughs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQS)
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We support grief related to death, family changes, illness, moving, and other significant life transitions.
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There is no fixed timeline. Therapy moves at the child or teen’s pace, focusing on safety, understanding, and connection.
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Yes. Sessions are tailored developmentally and may include play, creative, or conversation-based approaches.
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Yes. We offer secure virtual sessions for families across Alberta.
Why Families Choose Ten for Grief & Loss Therapy in Calgary
Boutique, child- and family-focused clinic in Bridgeland / East Calgary
Psychologists experienced in childhood and teen grief
Strength-based, compassionate care
Gentle, flexible pace that honours each child’s process
In-person sessions in East Calgary and secure online therapy across Alberta
No waitlist — begin when you’re ready
Beyond Ten. Into Possibility.
Ten Child Psychology
172 9 St NE, Calgary AB T2E 4H2
📞 403-727-7473
Our Bridgeland clinic is bright, welcoming, and designed to support calm and connection. Children and teens can sit, move, draw, or talk — whatever helps them feel safe.
Serving families in Bridgeland, Inglewood, Riverbend, Crescent Heights, Tuxedo Park, Hillhurst, Douglasdale, Cranston, Auburn Bay, Mahogany, Seton — and online across Alberta.
