Goodbye Letter Worksheet
GinaMarie Guarino, LMHC
Grieving can be very overwhelming and confusing for a child. Loss and death can be complicated concepts, and it can be hard for a child to understand what they mean and how the permanence of a loved one's passing will affect them.
It is not uncommon for a child to experience a range of emotions after a loss and struggle to understand how to manage them. It can be challenging for a child to know how to move forward without the loved one they lost. Whether it is a family member, friend, or pet, they will feel the absence and may be unsure about how to fill the gap.
Because of this confusion, it can be hard for a child to understand and express how they are feeling. Guiding them through their grief is helpful for a child to understand the permanence of loss and how they are feeling regarding the absence of their loved one.
About This Worksheet
A helpful way therapists can help children process their grief is by asking the client to write a goodbye letter to their loved one. The Goodbye Letter worksheet provides space for a child to express their goodbyes to those they have lost. Using this exercise can help them understand how they are feeling after losing someone important to them.
On this worksheet, a child has the space to explore their loss and feelings of grief. They can explore their emotions and memories in a safe space that leads them toward the path of healing. Writing a goodbye letter can help the child work toward closure for their loss.
This worksheet is intended for children up to 12 years old, but it can sometimes be useful for adolescents who are struggling to process their grief as well. It is an expressive exercise that can be used in individual, group, or family counseling settings.
Instructions
Before introducing this worksheet, have a conversation with the child about what it means for a loved one to pass or depart from their life. Not all loss comes from death, so ensure that you tailor the conversation toward the child's situation. Introduce the worksheet as a way to say goodbye to the loved one they have lost.
On this worksheet, the child is instructed to write a letter saying goodbye to their lost loved one. They have the freedom to express themselves in their own way. If needed, help the child write their letter. You may also guide them with reflection questions, like:
- When you think about your loved one, how do you feel?
- What do you miss the most about them?
- What do you need your loved one to know?
- What would you like to thank them for?
When the child has finished their letter, allow them time to complete the drawing exercise. Then, review the letter with them and encourage them to express what they need to express to promote healing. At the end of the session, instruct the parents or guardians to keep the letter in a safe place and read it with the child when they feel sad or are missing their loved one.
References
Sesar, K., Dodaj, A., Vasilj Perković, V., Marković, A., Kvesić, A., & Mikulić, M. (2024). A review of therapeutic techniques in work with children in the grieving process. Mediterranean Journal of Clinical Psychology, 12(1).
