In this conversation, Sadie interviews Sarah Mann Shaw, a drama therapist and psychotherapist, about working with children and young people who are experiencing grief and loss. Sarah explains that drama therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that uses play, metaphor, and creative expression to explore and process internal emotions. She emphasises the importance of the therapeutic relationship and empowering young people to make choices in therapy. Sarah also discusses the different ways grief can manifest in children and young people, including the impact of neurodiversity and adoption. She offers insights on supporting children through grief rituals and the ebb and flow of the grieving process. This insightful conversation is essential listening for anyone seeking to understand and support grieving children.

Keywordsgrief, loss, children, young people, therapy, drama therapy, psychotherapy, therapeutic relationship, neurodiversity, adoption, rituals, ebb and flowTakeaways

• Drama therapy is a unique form of psychotherapy that uses play, metaphor, and creative expression to explore and process internal emotions.


• The therapeutic relationship is crucial in supporting children and young people through grief and loss.


• Grief can manifest in different ways in children and young people, and it is important to consider factors such as neurodiversity and adoption.


• Supporting children through grief rituals and acknowledging the ebb and flow of the grieving process can be helpful.


• Parents and caregivers should be attuned to their child's nonverbal cues and apologise when they make mistakes in supporting their child's grief.

00:34 Introduction and Overview of Drama Therapy and Psychotherapy

04:49 Grief and Loss Beyond Death: Separation, Adoption, Foster Care

06:41 The Impact and Internalization of Loss

08:59 Working with Grief in Children and Young People

11:43 Building Therapeutic Relationships with Children and Young People

13:03 An Embodied Approach to Grief and Loss

18:56 The Unique Challenges of Neurodiverse Individuals

20:52 The Impact of Adoption on Grief and Loss

25:42 The Lack of Support and Understanding in Society

27:37 Supporting Grieving Children in Schools

29:04 The Importance of Rituals and Mourning in Communities

30:00 Supporting Children through Rituals and Memory Boxes

33:55 Parenting and Supporting Grieving Children

36:37 Effective Communication about Grief and Loss

38:43 Continued Support and Understanding for Grieving Children

42:28 Seeking Professional Help for Grieving Children

Please come and join The Grief Lounge Community on Facebook here www.facebook.com/groups/thegrieflounge/

You can also find me on Instagram here @thegriefcoach_uk

If you would like to know more about this weeks incredible guest Sarah Mann Shaw you can find her herehttp://www.sarahmannshaw.co.uk/