Grief Recovery Method (Helping Children With Loss)

  
 

Helping Children with Loss

A Step-by-Step Approach to Help Children Heal

 

Grief doesn’t just come from death. Children experience loss through divorce, moves, changes at school, illness, or even losing a pet or friend. When these moments hit, most adults don’t know what to say or do — and that’s okay.

The Helping Children with Loss program gives you real tools to support grieving kids — in ways that build trust, safety, and lifelong resilience. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, counselor, or caregiver, this program helps you show up with confidence and compassion.

Led by Dr. Jo-Ellen Watson, Ph.D., LCSW, LICSW, CLC, an Advanced Certified Grief Recovery Specialist, this course is grounded in connection and action — not theory.

 

Here is what participants say about the Helping Children with Loss program

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“Thank you so much for this training, your empathy, and vulnerability. I SO appreciate this training.”

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“The program itself is excellent… The effect on adults, parents, carers is obvious.”

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“I feel like my definition of Grief has expanded so much and given me a new and helpful lens on child behavior.”

 

 

Why It Matters

Most adults were never taught how to deal with grief — and that means we don’t always know how to help the kids we care about. We try our best with phrases like:

  • “Don’t feel bad.”

  • “Be strong.”

  • “You’ll get over it.”

But grief isn’t logical — it’s emotional. Kids need safe space, honest conversations, and someone to help them feel seen. This course gives you the tools to be that person.

What You’ll Learn

In just 4 weeks, you’ll learn how to:

  • Understand how grief shows up in children

  • Avoid common (but unhelpful) responses

  • Talk about loss in honest, age-appropriate ways

  • Create safe space for emotions and healing

  • Feel confident being present — even in hard moments

Who This Is For

This program is perfect for:

  • Parents and grandparents

  • Teachers and school staff

  • Counselors and youth workers

  • Foster parents and caregivers

  • Anyone supporting a grieving child

You don’t need to be an expert — just someone who cares.

 

 
 

 

Program Details

  • Length: 4 sessions over 4 weeks

  • Format: Each session is about 2.5 hours

  • Where: Online (max 8 participants) or in-person in Treasure Valley, ID (max 18 participants)

  • Led by: Dr. Jo-Ellen Watson, Ph.D., LCSW, LICSW, CLC

  • Cost: $250 per person

The only evidence-based Grief Recovery program in the world.

 

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“JoEllen was incredible and so knowledgeable. Thank you for this work and I look forward to seeing the changes in our community.”

 

Get started today and be the difference in a child’s life.

 Click the link below to purchase now.

Grief Recovery Method - Helping Children with Loss Program

 

 

Want to talk first?
Book a free 30-minute strategy session with Dr. Watson to see if it’s the right fit.

Meet with Dr. Watson to discuss the program.
 
  
 
 
 
Get to Know Your Advanced Recovery Specialist
 


Jo-Ellen Watson
Ph.D., CLC, LCSW

I was born in Washington State and raised in a small town outside of Walla Walla. My parents owned a family business and were involved in the life of our community. I learned the value of hard work and the importance of contributing to my school and hometown. I had animals to care for, gardening with my mom, enjoyed camping with my family, was active in girl scouts and equine 4-H, becoming an accomplished rider. Unfortunately, my early childhood was tainted by the trauma of sexual abuse, which remained a family secret. Like many children coming from similar situations, I learned to cope by repressing painful memories and tried to prove my value by excelling academically, socially, and in other activities, some of which were risky and unhealthy. I continued that pattern well into adulthood.

After receiving a BA in Sociology from Washington State University, I moved to Seattle, residing there for fifty years. I enjoyed the excitement of a large city and took full advantage of all the career and social opportunities. I continued to excel at my work and education endeavors, receiving advanced degrees including years of additional training in health and mental health care. My careers equipped me with valuable skills and experiences all of which I now draw on in my coaching, speaking and training services.

Like many of you reading this story, I have experienced a significant amount of trauma and loss in my life. My employment as a veterinary technician, ambulance EMT, social worker in a trauma unit, and later first responder mental health crisis worker, while all professionally rewarding, took a personal toll. In my 30's I experienced a life-threatening abduction and assault by a stranger. I escaped the situation without bodily injury, but coupled with my childhood trauma, I suffered from PTSD for years before receiving help.

On my journey I have benefited from the compassionate care of mental health providers, including a psychiatrist I worked with after the adult trauma. He told me he was impressed with my ability to repeatedly reinvent myself each time, evolving into a better, stronger version of myself. After one session he exclaimed, "You are like the Phoenix Rising"; hence the logo of my coaching services.

I share this part of my story so that you know I am able to understand the emotional pain of losses you may have endured and might currently be experiencing. While I may not know your experience exactly, I am able to relate to the feelings of confusion, sense of isolation, and questions about what to do next. I also know that healing, transformation, power, and revitalization are within your reach. I found these through my own work with The Grief Recovery Method.