Workshop for Children Grieving the Loss of a Loved One.
1-Day Play/Art Support Workshop
Offered by Dr. Diana Bermudez
7/17/2025, 10am-3pm
2219 N Columbus St. Arlington, VA
Children ages 6-10 (siblings welcomed)
Art/play/movement facilitated by Dr. D and her assistant.
Max 6 participants guarantees individualized attention.
Workshop Goals
1. Peer support (“I am not the only one”), towards acceptance of loss.
2. Peace with feelings related to loss.
3. Strong connection with departed loved one to cope with absence.
4. Resilience in difficult times!
5-Hour workshop outline:
10am-12pm: therapeutic play/art as a group of 6, and some activities in pairs.
12-1pm: lunch (packed from home) and choice of for rest time or active movement time.
1-3pm: more therapeutic play/art as a group of 6, activities in pairs, and ending celebration.
Steps for Registration
1. E-mail Dr. D to schedule a 10-minute screening over the phone, to ensure the group is the best option for your child. Alternative forms of counseling will be provided if needed. Please specify the best times and number to reach you.
2. Attend a 60-min intake with your child to discuss background information, sign consent form, and become familiar with Dr. D and her play/art office.
Cost
The cost of the initial intake session is $200. A subsequent payment of $500 for the 5-hour workshop is due 1 week before the workshop. These fees are typically not covered by health insurance plans. Discounted rates are available upon request for families with financial need.
Please read details about the setting and facilitators in Groups Section bellow.
Grieving
Group consists of 6 weekly sessions of 55 min.
October and November, 2025.
Weekdays at 4 or 5pm (TBD to fit with majority).
2219 N Columbus St, Arlington, VA.
Children ages 6-10 who have experienced a significant loss (of family member, close friend, pet) come together to grieve and mutually support peers in similar circumstances; using play, art making and mindful movement.
With Dr. D’s facilitation, children express their feelings related to the loss, celebrate the memories of departed loved ones, and integrate the loss as part of their lives. Participants may have experienced the loss either recently or at any time in the past.
Group Size
The group’s size is small (4-7 participants) in order to guarantee individualized attention.
Leaders
Dr. Diana Bermudez (aka Dr. D) will facilitate the group sessions with assistance from an intern (senior student in high school), who has completed Advanced Placement (AP) psychology and related courses, and has experience working with young children, and training/supervision by Dr.D.
Steps for Registration
1. E-mail Dr. D to schedule a 10-minute screening over the phone, to ensure the group is the best option for your child. Alternative forms of counseling will be provided if needed. Please specify the best times and number to reach you.
2. Attend a 60-min intake with your child to discuss background information, sign consent form, and become familiar with Dr. D and her play/art office.
Timing
There will be 6 consecutive weekly sessions of 55 minutes, expected to happen in May-June, 2025, at 4pm or 5pm on a week day. The specific time and day of the week will be determined according to the availability of the majority of interested participants. Consistent weekly attendance is essential for building relationships and benefitting from the group.
Cost
The cost of the initial intake session is $200. A subsequent payment of $800 for the 6 sessions of the group is due 1 week before the group begins. These fees are typically not covered by health insurance plans. Discounted rates are available upon request for families with financial need.
Inclusion Intent
The group is design to welcome participants of all gender expressions, neurodiversity, ethnicities, immigration status, physical uniqueness, races, and religions. Unfortunately, Dr. D’s office is not wheel-chair accessible, as the building does not have an elevator or wheelchair bathroom. However, front stairs consist of only 7 steps.