Support Resources for Grieving Families

Thank you to our friends at Camp Erin and Providence Hospice Bereavement Program for sharing these valuable resources with In This Together – Supporting Children and Families in Grief.

Activities for Youth & Families

Hope Flags Activity. Hope Flags, also known as peace flags or prayer flags, come from the Tibetan tradition and are used to promote peace, compassion, strength, and wisdom. Click on this LINK for photos and guidance on creating a unique garland of hope flags. 

Big Energy Information and Activity Suggestions. At In This Together and Camp Erin, we talk lots about the big energy of grief and the importance of providing opportunities for children, teens and adults to express this big energy. During this time when many of us are staying close to home and have less opportunities to engage with people and places in the ways we’re used to it can be even more important to find healthy ways to express this energy and move our bodies in the space we have. Click on this LINK to learn more.

Nature Activities. Click on this LINK to learn more.

Art Ideas and Activities. Click on this LINK to learn more.

Support for Families

Helping Children Process Grief and Loss During COVID-19. This article is a great overview for discussion around childhood grief and talks particularly about some of the issues and challenges for children that have arisen due to COVID-19.

Helping Children Cope With Changes Resulting From COVID-19. From the National Association of School Psychologists.

Books About Race & Diversity for Kids. Check out these great book lists to learn and explore topics and themes around race and diversity.

Corona Stories. These are short videos that show some of the ways that children around the world are coping with coronavirus.

Portland-Area Support Groups

  • The Dougy Center – Ongoing grief support groups for children, teens, young adults, and families: 503-775-5683 dougy.org
  • Camp Erin Meet-Ups (re-starting 2022) – Quarterly gatherings for children, teens, and families: 503-953-6745 or crowley@providence.org

 Online Grief Resources

Grief Camps

Portland-Area Counselors for Children, Teens, Adults, and Families

Some families may benefit from ongoing support and therapeutic interventions. If such services are the right fit for your family, please contact a mental health provider of your choice. The following list of Portland-area providers is compiled by Providence Hospice Bereavement Program for your convenience. It is the responsibility of each family to contact and select an appropriate therapist. If your insurance requires, please request a referral from your physician.

Benita Bellrichard Munson, LPC, CRC, CADC 1 – www.maplecounselingpdx.com, 503-360-6656
Children, adults, couples, families
specialties: relationship issues, addiction, chronic illness

Diane Havnen-Smith, MSW, LCSW – www.innerstandings.com, 503-314-6349
Children, adults
specialties: loss, depression, anxiety, relationships

Vivian Coles, MA, LPC – 503-975-5418
Children, adolescents, adults
specialties: anxiety, trauma & PTSD, self-esteem

Terry Jenkins, Psy.D, LMFT, Lynn Knope, Psy.D, CDS – www.pdxpsych.com, 503-786-2171
Children, adolescents, and adults
specialties: play therapy, ADD/ADHD, anger, anxiety, depression

Firefly Institute (various providers) – www.fireflycounselingservices.com, 503-915-3737
Children, adolescents, adults, couples, families
specialties: grief/loss, abuse, trauma, attachment issues, adoption/foster care

Melinda Laus, Ed. S. – www.courageousmourning.com, 503-806-6441
Adults
specialties: complicated/traumatic grief, young widowhood, parenting through loss

Elliot Geller, LCSW – 503-484-6568
Adolescents, adults
specialties: complicated grief/loss, men’s groups

Jane Newman, LPC – www.janepnewman.com, 503-679-1828
Adolescents, adults, couples, families
specialties: grief & loss, life transitions, chronic illness, stress management

Greg Harpel, LCSW – www.calliopecounseling.com, 971-319-3091
Children, adolescents, adults
specialties: grief counseling, depression, anxiety, life transitions

Tim Zoebelein, LCSW – 503-465-4802
Adults, couples
specialties: grief, addiction, stress management, anxiety

 Other Resources and Supports

To find additional community resources available in Oregon & SW Washington, visit www.211info.org or dial 211.