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Guiding Children Through Grief: The Power of Play Therapy

Jan 23







Helping Children Heal Through Play Therapy


Grief is never easy, especially for children. They experience loss in deeply personal ways and that is often different from adults. In the latest episode of Comforting Closure - Conversations with a Death Doula, I had the honor of speaking with Liana Lowenstein, a child psychotherapist and expert in play therapy. Together, we explored how play therapy can help children navigate the complex emotions of grief safely and meaningfully. 


What is Play Therapy? 

Play therapy is a gentle, creative way to help children express their feelings when words might feel too overwhelming. Liana explained how children often use play to communicate their emotions through drawing, role-playing, or interacting with toys. It allows them to process loss at their own time and pace.


Play therapy is not a one-size-fits-all approach. Some children benefit from non-directive play therapy, where they lead the session and express themselves freely. Others might need directive play therapy, where the therapist guides activities to address specific emotions or challenges. Both methods create a space where kids can feel safe to open up and heal. 


What Are the Key Concepts of Play Therapy? 

Liana shared some important thoughts about how children process grief: 

  • Grieving in doses: Children often move between moments of sadness and bursts of playfulness. This is their way of managing emotions without becoming overwhelmed. 

  • Behavior as communication: Children may not say, “I’m sad,” but their actions often speak louder than words. Clinginess, tantrums, or even physical symptoms like stomachaches can be signs of grief. 

  • Grief evolves with age: Children's understanding of loss changes as they grow. A child grieving at age five may process that loss differently when they’re eight or twelve

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What Age Is Play Therapy Appropriate For? 

Play therapy is used with children between the ages of 3 and 12, but Liana noted it can also be adapted for teens and even adults. Play is a natural language for younger kids, making it an especially powerful tool during difficult times. 


How Adults Can Support Grieving Children 

Liana offered practical advice for parents and caregivers: 

  • Be open: Talk about the loss using age-appropriate language. Avoiding the topic can make grief feel even scarier for children. 

  • Model healthy emotions: It’s okay to cry in front of your kids. Show them it’s natural to feel sadness and reassure them that you’re okay. 

  • Involve them: Include children in rituals like creating a memory box or celebrating a loved one’s life. These activities help them process their loss and stay connected to cherished memories. 


Helping a child through grief can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to do it alone. Play therapy provides a compassionate path for children to process their emotions and find a sense of peace. 


If you’d like to learn more about play therapy or grief support, check out these resources: 

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