Manhattan Play Therapy
Grief support for kids and teens. Supporting children through loss. Creating space for healing.

A safe place for children to explore and express grief.

Grief can feel confusing and overwhelming for a child. Some may cry often, others may seem angry or withdrawn, and some may act as if nothing has changed at all. I support kids and teens as they begin to understand and express their feelings after the loss of a loved one, a major life transition, or other hard experiences. In therapy, children use play, art, movement, and storytelling to process what they may not yet have words for. These creative tools help children express sadness, worry, confusion, or even guilt in a way that feels safe and manageable.

The goal isn’t to push feelings away but to give them space to be felt and understood. Through consistent support, children can begin to build healthy ways to cope and regain a sense of emotional balance. It is also important to support parents and caregivers during this process. Every child grieves differently, and each family’s story is unique. No one should feel they have to face this alone. Therapy offers a space where we can work together to understand your child’s needs, support their healing, and create a sense of safety both in and outside of sessions. With time, children can begin to feel more connected, supported, and ready to move forward.

Reach out to learn how grief therapy can support your child’s healing.

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When should I consider grief therapy for my child?

Grief looks different for every child, and there is no “right” way to mourn. Therapy may be helpful if your child continues to struggle with sadness, anxiety, withdrawal, changes in behavior, difficulty at school, or has trouble expressing their feelings after a loss or significant life change. If you’re unsure how to support your child through grief, learning more about talking to your child about grief and loss can be a helpful first step.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my child may benefit from grief therapy?

Every child grieves differently. Therapy may be helpful if your child continues to experience sadness, anxiety, withdrawal, emotional outbursts, changes in behavior, or difficulty adjusting after the loss of a loved one or another significant life change.

Grief therapy uses developmentally appropriate approaches such as play, art, movement, storytelling, and conversation to help children express feelings they may not yet have words for. Sessions move at your child’s pace and provide a safe space to process difficult emotions.

Yes. Parents and caregivers play an important role in supporting a child’s healing. Therapy may include parent guidance, regular check-ins, and practical strategies to help support your child both at home and throughout the grieving process.

Yes. Children may experience grief after divorce, separation, moving, serious illness, the loss of a pet, or other significant life transitions. Therapy helps children process these experiences and adjust in healthy ways.

The length of therapy depends on your child’s individual needs, the nature of the loss, and their progress over time. Some children benefit from short-term support, while others may need additional time as they work through their grief.

Not necessarily. Many children express themselves more comfortably through play, art, creative activities, or storytelling. Therapy respects your child’s pace and provides different ways to explore difficult emotions safely.

Being present, listening without judgment, maintaining familiar routines, and giving your child permission to express their emotions can all be helpful. Therapy also provides parents with guidance on how to support their child’s healing between sessions.