Guiding Youths Through Grief

Kylie Capps, LLMSW, focuses on grief counseling for children ages three to 17.

Grief is a part of life. The death of a family member, moving to a new town or school, the loss of a pet — each transition brings with it new challenges. When children experience loss, it can be confusing and stressful, but having the tools to address these adjustments is what Grosse Pointe’s K. Capps Counseling is all about.

“A lot of the time, especially with grief or loss, it’s difficult to spot when children are functioning normally, especially when the loss isn’t super direct,” said Kylie Capps, LLMSW, who specializes in grief and loss in children and adolescents between the ages of three and 17.

“(Grief) can create subtle shifts and subtle changes that don’t interfere with functioning, but may interfere with overall wellbeing and that’s of course not for all people. Addressing that early, is beneficial and allows for a more stable path of wellness,” she said.

Spotting the signs of grief can be difficult as it does vary depending on age, type of loss, personality, family dynamic, etc. However, some symptoms can include tears and sadness, while others manifest as common behavioral changes such as irritability or increased sensitivity, changes in eating or sleeping, or numbness and shock.

At K.Capps Counseling, children struggling from these adjustments can sit in a private session with a specialized professional and learn healthy coping habits to overcome these difficult times in their life. Capps also offers group therapy sessions as a more affordable option, where a group of eight or ten children of the same age can talk and meet others going through similar changes in their lives.

“A lot of the time, especially in grief and loss, children feel like they’re the only ones that have experienced that, and at that age it’s not a common conversation to have if they’ve lost someone or something. So the idea is to have a space where they can come together and share their experiences like them and they’re not alone in that.”

The office which is conveniently located in downtown Grosse Pointe Farms is a new addition to the Hill and opened its doors for the first time in February. Its blue and white, nautical themed interior gives the office a calming feel. A separate room for children hosts a wealth of toys and art supplies which help Capps treat younger patients through a variety of behavioral activities.

The private practice was a dream for Capps, who was inspired to pursue a career in adolescent psycho therapy by her parents whose own careers in psychology and therapy were a natural part of her and her half-sister’s life. The deaths of her mother, paternal grandmother, and childhood friend were pivotal in her decision to specialize in child and adolescent grief and loss.

“I specialized in grief and loss after recognizing the need for increased awareness and services in the area… because of the people I’ve lost and knowing what that journey looks like and how much of a journey it is. And the healing it takes and the dedication to wellbeing and the biggest one of those being my mom,” Capps said.

With a MSW degree in clinical social work from the University of Michigan - Ann Arbor, Capps was determined to pursue her passion for child and adolescent psychology and open her own private practice in her home town Grosse Pointe.

“I wanted to make sure that I had that range and was focusing only on children. I wanted to make sure to specialize and keep that space open only just for kids. It’s easy to say you want to work with children and end up filling up with adults, maybe unintentionally, so I really want to save that space for children and teens,” she said.

As she continues to welcome new patients, Capps hopes in the future to co-found a non-profit organization focused on the well-being of youth in the community.

“The main thing is to grow up with the skills to continue lead a healthy life. That’s the primary basis for it… Some kids are excited… older children might ask for therapy specifically. Children who maybe don’t expect it or see it as a punishment,” Capps said, can be reached by reframing the idea, to understand it’s a healthy opportunity to interact with someone outside the family in a safe environment where they can learn the get the tools and resources they.

“Therapy and the environment and the process is 100% for them and their wellbeing and their health and the life they are interested in having and creating. It’s worth it, to say something and be able to create what they’re looking for,” she said.

Parents interested in introducing their children to therapy, scheduling an appointment or learning more about the programs available can visit the K.Capps Counseling website, kcappscounseling.com.

Published in the Grosse Pointe News