Grief Counseling Offered for Kids & Teens

Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling recently moved to Hillsdale and began offering two new grief support groups: a support group for teens who have lost a parent, and a group for children who have lost a sibling.

Founded in 1994 by Laura Hudson, MS, ATR-BC, LCAT, Hearts & Crafts Grief Counseling offers support for those struggling with all kinds of grief, including the loss of a child, the loss of a spouse, and the loss of a parent. The nonprofit is starting two new support groups for children and teens this spring.

One new support group, which began at the end of April, is for teenagers who have lost a parent. The group, run by Samantha Tinter, LCSW, shows teens that they aren’t alone in what they’re going through. “A lot of their friends have no idea what it’s like to have a parent die,” Tinter says. “So we run groups like this to let people know there are other people in the same boat.” Tinter adds that sharing experiences and hearing about others’ experiences really helps teens through the grieving process.

The teen support group is held Wednesdays at 6pm.

The second group Hearts & Crafts will begin offering is for children and teens who have lost a sibling, coinciding with a support group for the parents who have lost a child. “The whole idea is to get children and their families to a place where they can thrive after they’ve had someone in their family die,” Tinter says. The meeting date and time are to be announced.

The nonprofit also offers counseling services for those dealing with illness, divorce, school issues, abuse, diabetes, anxiety, depression, parenting, bullying, eating disorders or men’s issues. Other services offered include art therapy, individual and family counseling, and community education.

Support groups cost $40 per person, and attendees must call to register.

 

Above photo: In December 2014, Hearts & Crafts Counseling celebrated its grand opening in Hillsdale with director Laura Hudson, MS, ATR-BC, LCAT, (left of sign) Samantha Tinter, LCSW (right of sign), and Hillsdale Mayor Max Arnowitz, cutting the heart adorned ribbon.

Photo by Lisa Tredici