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Understanding Grief, Loss & Family Change in Children
Child Grief, Loss & Family Change Support
Assessment Information Sheet – HarbourLight Psychology Melbourne
Understanding Grief, Loss & Family Change in Children
Children experience many types of loss and change as they grow. This may include the death of a loved one or pet, parental separation, family conflict, moving homes, or changes in family structure. While some emotional reactions are expected, for some children these experiences feel overwhelming and difficult to manage.
Grief and adjustment reactions are not signs of weakness or “acting out.” They reflect a child’s attempt to understand change and make sense of their world. Children may not always have the words to express their feelings, so emotions can show up through behaviour, play, sleep, or physical complaints.
At HarbourLight Psychology, we provide gentle, developmentally informed support for children who are navigating loss or family changes. Our focus is on supporting children to feel safe, understood, and supported as they adjust over time.
Every child responds differently. Common patterns may include:
Common Experiences in Children
Emotional Responses
- • Sadness, anger, confusion
• Tearfulness or irritability
• Worry about family safety
• Fear of further loss
• Feeling responsible for changes
Behavioural Signs
- • Clinginess or withdrawal
• Increased tantrums
• Regression (bedwetting, baby talk)
• Avoiding reminders
• Changes in play themes
Physical & Daily Life
- • Tummy aches or headaches
• Difficulty falling asleep
• Nightmares
• Changes in appetite
• Fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating at school
• Reduced interest in play
• Friendship challenges
• Increased family tension
These experiences can overlap with anxiety or low mood.
Why Seek Support?
When grief or family changes continue to affect a child’s wellbeing, early support may assist children to:
• Improve emotional expression
• Strengthen coping skills
• Support school engagement
• Reduce behavioural distress
• Support family communication
• Build resilience
Therapy provides a space for children to process change at their own pace.
Therapy Process
Support is child-centred, collaborative, and play-based.
What to expect:
Initial Sessions:
Understanding your child’s experiences, changes they’ve faced, and current challenges.
Check-ins & Tools:
Age-appropriate activities and gentle questionnaires.
Ongoing Sessions:
Play-based work to practise:
• emotional expression
• calming strategies
• understanding change
• coping with uncertainty
Review & Planning:
Regular reviews to adjust strategies.
Duration: Varies depending on individual needs
Cost: Medicare rebates may be available with a GP Mental Health Care Plan. Private health insurance or NDIS support may be available depending on your circumstances. Please confirm with your provider or case manager.
Wait time: Current wait times are typically around 1–2 weeks
Parent involvement is discussed collaboratively.
How Therapy May Support Your Child
Support may help children to:
• Develop a clearer understanding of their feelings
• Express emotions in safe and appropriate ways
• Develop coping strategies
• Explore ways to reduce anxiety
• Support improvements in sleep
• Support a sense of safety and security
• Support family relationships
Approaches Commonly Used
We draw on evidence-based child therapy approaches, including:
• Psychoeducation – understanding feelings
• Play therapy
• CBT-informed strategies
• Emotion coaching
• Mindfulness & grounding
• Strengths-based work
• Parent guidance
Where appropriate, collaboration with schools or GPs may form part of the support process.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I know if my child is struggling?
If emotional or behavioural changes persist and affect daily life, support may help.
Is grief different for children?
Yes. Children often express grief through play or behaviour.
What happens in sessions?
Play-based activities, storytelling, and gentle skill-building.
Will parents be involved?
Yes, involvement is discussed collaboratively.
When to Seek Urgent Support
If your child expresses thoughts of self-harm or you have safety concerns, urgent support is important:
• Contact your GP
• Attend your nearest emergency department
• Call Lifeline 13 11 14
Why Choose HarbourLight Psychology?
- • Registered psychologists experienced in supporting children and families through grief, loss, and life transitions
• Developmentally informed care
• Warm, strengths-based approach
• Medicare and Private options
• After-school appointments
• Location: Melbourne / East Melbourne
Get Started
If grief or family changes are affecting your child’s wellbeing, support is available.
HarbourLight Psychology – supporting children through change with care.
Feel understood. Find your way forward.
Get in touch for any questions so we can start working together. Call 03 8594 0423 or message below
