What signifies the last stage of a child's grief during the counseling session?

The last stage of a child's grief is marked by the reorganization of identity to incorporate the loved one. This stage represents a significant psychological shift where the child begins to understand their loss in a more profound manner and starts to integrate the memory of the loved one into their life moving forward. At this point, the child acknowledges the void left by the loved one while simultaneously allowing that relationship, and the feelings associated with it, to become part of who they are.

This integration is crucial because it signifies that the child is not only accepting the loss but also adjusting their emotional framework to include it. They can remember and honor the loved one while still continuing to engage with life and relationships, demonstrating emotional resilience.

In contrast, acceptance of the loss typically suggests a realization that the loved one is gone, but it may not necessarily involve the deeper identity changes that come with reorganization. Expression of anger and withdrawal from social interactions are indicative of earlier stages in the grieving process, illustrating just how complex and dynamic experiences of grief can be in children as they navigate their emotions.