Integrating EMDR to Support Children Who Are Grieving

Integrating EMDR to Support Children Who Are Grieving

Children who are grieving often face challenges in processing emotions and adapting to loss in developmentally appropriate ways. This presentation explores the integration of EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) with play-based approaches to support children navigating the complexities of grief. Participants will delve into the core principles of EMDR, including its eight-phase protocol, and discover how to tailor it specifically for children who are grieving.

The session highlights the role of play and creative expression as vital tools to complement EMDR, making interventions more engaging and effective for young clients. Attendees will learn at least three practical, play-based techniques to help children externalize emotions, process their grief, and rebuild a sense of stability.

Additionally, participants will gain insights into three trauma-informed strategies for integrating EMDR into grief work. These strategies are designed to address the unique developmental, emotional, and cognitive needs of children, ensuring a holistic and compassionate approach to care.

The presentation includes guided worksheets to help attendees create a structured framework for future EMDR and play-based interventions tailored to their clients. By combining EMDR’s structured, evidence-based methodology with the creativity and adaptability of play, participants will leave equipped to support grieving children in processing emotions, building resilience, and discovering paths toward growth and adjustment after loss.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Intermediate – This best describes a topic or issue that the audience likely has a theoretical foundation for understanding and/or a working knowledge.

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the core principles of EMDR and describe its eight-phase protocol with specific applications for grieving children.
  • List at least three developmentally appropriate, play-based approaches to enhance EMDR interventions for children experiencing grief.
  • Describe at least three trauma-informed strategies for integrating EMDR into children’s grief support to facilitate emotional processing and foster resilience.
  • Demonstrate practical skills in applying EMDR and play-based interventions to address the complexities of childhood grief effectively.

 

Speaker Bio:

Stephanie Heitkemper, PhD, LPC, RPT-S, FT is the owner of Resilient Minds Counseling which specializes in working with individuals, children, and families around change including grief and trauma. Stephanie finds energy in utilizing play therapy (as a Registered Play Therapist-Supervisor), creative expression, Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) (EMDRIA Approved Consultant) and. bibliotherapy in her counseling practice, program creation, and presentations. Stephanie serves on the board of directors for Heart Light Center (2017), a Denver-based grief support and education center as well as Camp JoJo (2020), a camp dedicated to supporting teens impacted by suicide. In addition to Resilient Minds Counseling, Stephanie is the Clinical Director of Camp Erin NYC, which is part of Cope. Stephanie’s self-care includes early morning coffee, CrossFit, and Ironman training as well as exploring Colorado with her husband and beloved boxer.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

Supported by the philanthropic investment
of the New York Life Foundation.

 

Cultivating inclusivity for children and all abilities in funeral planning and participation

The process of planning a funeral is a multifaceted endeavor involving significant considerations such as cultural traditions, accessibility, religious/ spiritual beliefs, communities, and the ability to derive meaning from the experience (Causadias et al., 2022). It is imperative to create an age-appropriate, death-positive conversation which can then expand participation to include often marginalized communities such as: BIPOCC, LGBTQIA, individuals, and children who are neurodiverse. Understanding contemporary funeral care practices can help make it easier to advocate for the inclusion of children in funeral planning, which can reduce psychopathology among children and adolescents (Becker et al, 2021; Causadias et al, 2022; McCaughan et al, 2021). Walsh’s Family Resilience Theory supports including children in funeral rituals as it can help instill stronger familial and community relationships. Recognizing and addressing children’s emotional needs in the context of death and loss is a pivotal step toward promoting a healthier grieving process. Embracing a more inclusive and compassionate approach to funeral planning can help ensure that all individuals and communities can participate and find solace in the process.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks. 
Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Name best practices of contemporary funeral care.
  • List five key elements in developing an inclusive funeral ceremony for all ages and abilities.
  • Explain funeral procedures in age-appropriate explanations of funeral procedures for various age groups (ie: young children, adolescents) and consider the unique needs and abilities of attendees, including those with physical and cognitive challenges.

 

Speaker Bios:

Stephanie Heitkemper, PhD, is a Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Resilient Minds Counseling PLLC in Denver, Colorado and Camp Erin NYC Clinical Director. Stephanie completed her undergraduate studies in Psychology and Human Services at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, VA, and holds a Masters in Marriage Family Therapy from Regis University in Denver, CO. She completed her PhD in Counseling and Psychological Studies from Regent University in Virginia Beach, VA. Stephanie is a Registered Play Therapist Supervisor (RPT-S), an Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Approved Consultant and Certified Therapist, a Fellow in Thanatology (FT), and is also a Trauma and Loss Specialist (CTS) and Trauma Informed Assessment Specialist (CTA). Her main passion is working with children and families recovering from grief and trauma. Professionally, she finds the most joy in collaboration, problem solving, hands-on creativity, and interactive play. In her free time, Stephanie enjoys 5 am CrossFit, coffee, and exploring Colorado with her boxer, Frank, and her husband.

Jack E. Lechner, Jr. CFSP, MS, CT is a distinguished individual with extensive experience in both the funeral industry and United States Army. He currently holds the position of President & Chief Executive Officer of the Cincinnati College of Mortuary Science (CCMS). Jack’s knowledge and expertise in the funeral industry span nearly five decades. Before entering the academic field, Jack practiced as a licensed funeral director in the state of New Jersey for a decade. In 1983, he transitioned to a military career enlisting as an Infantryman in the United States Army. He went on to be commissioned as an officer in 1985. Jack’s final military assignment was at the honorable and prestigious Arlington National Cemetery. There he held several positions including Executive Officer, Cemetery Administrator, Deputy Superintendent. Jack’s dedication and contributions culminated in his appointment as Superintendent, a position he held until August 2015. Throughout his military career, Jack earned multiple military awards highlighting his exceptional service and dedication. These honors include the Defense Superior Service Medal, two Bronze Star Medals, three Defense Meritorious Service Medals, five Meritorious Service Medals and various other commendations.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

Supported by the philanthropic investment
of the New York Life Foundation.

Connect, Build, and Grow! Combining group work, play therapy and Lego building to explore grief

Discover how building Legos can also build social-emotional well-being! This interactive workshop focuses on the use of Lego-based therapeutic interventions for exploring grief. Participants will learn about the “Skillful Builders” model and will explore the benefits of group play therapy to better understand and cope with grief. Participants will also learn therapeutic techniques for implementing Lego-based play into individual and group therapy sessions.

members only iconThis playback is available to active NACG members only.

Members must be logged into the member portal to access the playback. Not currently a member? Become a NACG member today! Your membership will provide access to free monthly webinars with CEs on current topics to support you in your work, discounts on educational events, access to all webinar playbacks, and more. To learn more and become a member to access this webinar for no additional cost, visit HERE →

 

Continuing Education (CE) credits are not available for webinar playbacks.
Target Audience: Counselors, Social workers, Bereavement support professionals
Instructional Level: Basic – This best describes a topic or issue that the prospective audience is encountering for the first time in a meaningful way.
Format: Live Interactive Webinar

 

Objectives:

After attending this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Explain how to plan and conduct group session using Lego based activities and grief interventions.
  • Identify three (3) prominent dynamics in play therapy groups which support grieving children.
  • Describe two (2) grounding skills and two (2) containment skills that can be implemented in group.

 

Speaker Bios:

Stephanie Heitkemper, MA MFT, LPC, RPT, FT specializes in working with children and families around change including grief, trauma, and transition. Stephanie finds energy in utilizing play, creative expression and bibliotherapy in her practice and program creation. Stephanie is the owner of Resilient Minds Counseling, PLLC in the Denver Metro area and the Camp Therapist for Camp Jojo. Camp Jojo focus’ on supporting teens who have been impacted by suicide in a unique model that weaves mental health education along hands on adventure.

Meredith Hammond, MA, LPC, RPT-S is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Registered Play Therapist Supervisor with a private practice in Northglenn, Colorado. Meredith holds a post-graduate certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy, is trained in EMDR I/II and Brainspotting. For Meredith, play therapy is a passion and she seeks to incorporate the healing power of play into her work with clients of all ages. Meredith’s passion about family and play continue outside the office, as she avidly enjoys running and enjoying the outdoors with her three sons and husband.

 

New York Life Foundation logo

Supported by the philanthropic investment
of the New York Life Foundation.

Holiday Based Activities for Children and Families

*This playback is available to active NACG Members Only.