A Video Essay on Teenage Grief
By Christopher McClure, for Hospice Volunteer Services of Addison County

Ninety percent of children in the United States may experience the loss of a loved one by the time they are eighteen. Many bereaved kids learn early on that if they put a smile on their face and say, “I’m fine,” people will leave them alone, but being left alone with their grief only increases the devastation caused by their loss. Teens are often not encouraged to share their grief, and may be unsure who they can turn to with their strong and often conflicting emotions. It’s essential for them to find safe and supportive outlets for these feelings.

In this invaluable two-part DVD, five young women meet to share their experiences of grief over the loss of their fathers from suicide, accident, a drug overdose, and cancer. In a group facilitated by bereavement counselor Virginia Fry and school guidance counselor Kathy Pelletier, they share insights about how the deaths have impacted their lives, and what has helped them to survive. The 28-minute version of this program profiles the teen group in action; it’s intended for teens in a variety of settings including the classroom as well as grief support groups. The 47-minute version also includes educational commentary and analysis by the facilitators, and is designed for educators, health and guidance professionals, and parents.

47 minutes
© 2007
Purchase $248 DVD
Order No. QA-503
ISBN (DVD) 1-57295-503-1

Reviews
"A Video Essay on Teenage Grief is divided into two parts. The first section depicts a full group therapy session with teenage girls, as part of the "Daughters Mourning Dads" support group. They discuss how their grieving process differs from that of their brothers, feelings of guilt and anger, taking care of Mom, trust issues with men, and how they feel about Mom dating. The second part is a documentary on how teenagers deal with grief. It employs clips from the group session as well as interviews with two counselors. Both programs are highly recommended for public and academic libraries to support classroom grief discussion and parents and families going through the grieving process." Library Journal

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To rent or purchase this film, please visit the Icarus Films website

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