Trauma & Grief Therapy for Children
Children experience trauma and grief differently than adults. Sometimes the signs are subtle, and other times they show up in behavior, mood, or daily functioning. Parents often seek trauma therapy for children or grief counseling for kids in Chicago when they notice one or more of these attributes:
Common Signs of Trauma or Grief in Children
Changes in behavior: withdrawal, aggression, clinginess, or sudden regression
Strong emotions: frequent sadness, anger, or fear
Physical symptoms: headaches, stomachaches, or sleep disruptions
School difficulties: trouble focusing, declining grades, or avoidance
Loss of interest in play, activities, or friendships
Heightened anxiety or worry about safety and separation
If these changes persist, professional support can help children process their experiences and begin to heal.
How We Heal and Build Safety
At Chicago Therapy Corner, we create a consistent, safe environment where children can process emotions at their own pace. Therapy helps children:
Understand and express difficult feelings
Rebuild a sense of safety and stability
Learn coping skills for overwhelming emotions
Strengthen trust in themselves and in others
Find comfort through supportive play, creativity, and connection
Techniques We Use in Trauma & Grief Therapy
Our therapists use trauma-informed and evidence-based methods tailored to each child’s needs
Trauma-Informed Care – Emphasizes safety, trust, and empowerment for healing
Child-Centered Play Therapy – Allows children to process experiences through play, their natural language
Theraplay® – Strengthens attachment and emotional security through playful, nurturing parent-child interactions
Relational Approaches – Builds supportive connections between children, caregivers, and trusted adults
Resources for Parents Supporting a Child Through Trauma or Grief
Supporting a child through loss or trauma can feel overwhelming. Parents in Chicago often find these strategies helpful:
Maintain consistent routines to provide structure and predictability
Encourage open conversations without forcing your child to talk
Model healthy coping strategies for stress and grief
Seek professional support if symptoms are persistent, intense, or interfere with daily life
Explore local resources and support groups in Chicago
Local Chicago resources for trauma & grief for children
Heartlight / Lurie Children’s Hospital - Support groups for grieving children (18 & under), sibling groups, memory-making, family education
Willow House - Grief support groups, expressive arts, school consultation
The Grieving Space - Support for children & families after loss both virtually and in-person
Chicago Survivors - Counseling/support for children exposed to violence, loss, or traumatic grief with a crisis line available
Rainbows for All Children - Peer support for youth ages 3–18 for all types of loss
Support Your Child Through Healing
With the right guidance and care, children can process trauma and grief, regain a sense of safety, and build emotional resilience.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment with a child therapist in Chicago and discover how therapy can support your child’s emotional health and your family’s well-being.