Why Did You Die

(Paperback, 2nd edition)

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Description

When a loved one dies, children are faced with a kaleidoscope of feelings, thoughts, myths, and questions. The situation can also lead to anxiety and other psychological problems. These issues can in particular manifest themselves at school: ten percent find that their school grades drop. Other problems can include difficulty falling asleep, fatigue and mood swings, shortened attention spans and a fear of separation. First section of this book is for parents and describes children's grief process. Using an art therapy approach, the activities described then move children through the issues they must eventually confront. In a direct, yet non-threatening manner, this workbook will help children learn, grow, and continue to thrive.

Author Bio

Erica Leeuwenburgh, LPC, is a licensed professional counselor, board-certified art therapist, and child life specialist. In 1987 she established a pediatric psychosocial program for children with the Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. This Child Life/Creative Arts Therapy program provides comprehensive psychosocial support services for infants, children, and adolescents with art, music, dance/movement, and drama therapists and child life specialists. Her clinical work focuses predominantly on hospitalized, chronically ill, or bereaved children and their parents, and children whose parents are critically ill. She is an assistant visiting professor at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, NY where she has taught for more than 10 years. She lectures nationally and has published several articles. Ellen Goldring, LPC, is a board-certified and registered art therapist and certified child life specialist. She is currently a supervisor of Child Life/Creative Arts Therapy Services at Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital at Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, NJ. She offers therapy for the children of adults with life-threatening illnesses and for medically ill patients and siblings, and has developed children's bereavement programming.