David Kessler explains that most bereavement groups separate children from parents because their grief needs differ, though some religious groups work with whole families. He suggests talking to a bereavement group leader or therapist about family sessions if the grief is affecting everyone together.
Are there bereavement groups we can attend as a family?
There are very few support groups that work with the family as a whole. Sometimes church groups and religious groups will do that. But many times bereavement groups want to separate out family members only because the child's needs and understanding are very different from the parents. Certainly, if you feel like there's a dynamic going going on with grief in your whole family, talk to the bereavement leader of your group or talk to an individual therapist who might be willing to see your family as a whole.
