SINGAPORE: Researchers behind a world-first online therapy program for children experiencing grief are expanding the initiative to adolescents.
The Supporting Kids in Loss project was the first of its kind to offer cognitive behaviour therapy via an engaging and interactive online program.
Aimed at six to 12-year-olds and carried out in 2025, the Curtin University program covered different forms of grief including the loss of a family member or pet or parental separation.
Curtin School of Population Health Professor Sarah Egan said the program led to a reduction in prolonged grief for some children, while it helped others become more comfortable in talking about their loss.
“After feedback from families we have now condensed it down to a one-hour video that parents can do alongside a primary school aged child, featuring strategies to help them understand what grief is and how to talk about it,” Professor Egan said.
Researchers are now recruiting six to 12-year-olds for a trial of the new format, as well as teenagers to trial a version aimed at older children.
Professor Egan hoped the study would teach valuable strategies to young people and inform researchers on how to improve treatment in the future.
CBT for grief was hard to access in Perth, Professor Egan said, creating a huge unmet need.
“If (young people) go to a psychologist or a mental health professional in Perth, they’re not going to access this evidence-based treatment, they’re going to get a general treatment which won’t target prolonged grief,” she said.
“Wait lists, even in private practice, are very, very long, and it’s very expensive. Also, a lot of adolescents really hate having to see someone face to face.
“They prefer an online environment and this is completely and utterly confidential, and they can do it in their own time.”
The program, supported by Telethon and the Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, will be freely available after the trial.
Researchers are looking for families from anywhere in Australia with children aged six to 18 years to take part.