Family Therapy Following Your Child’s Cardiac Arrest

Do we need counseling as a family?

Cardiac arrest is a devastating experience, leaving each member of a family with different needs and struggling to cope in their own way. Group family therapy and counseling are options to navigate this transition and begin to process what happened.

A parent’s insight: “I had four children. My third child was only 16 when he experienced a cardiac arrest event at his volleyball practice and died. Following his death, our family was completely devastated. We all needed help but did not know what to do or where to find it. We understood the magnitude and felt the weight of the struggles each of us were facing, but we coped very differently. As I look back, I regret that there were so few opportunities available for counseling. I wonder if things would have turned out differently had resources been offered. In the years since, we have accessed different forms of therapy, which have been enormously helpful.”

How to find help?

Cardiac arrest can leave families shattered and struggling to cope. Whether the child lives or dies, there are significant life changes for everyone involved. The siblings may be facing heart screening tests while being deeply affected by what happened to their brother/sister. Parents may be struggling to support the wants and needs of each other and their children with so many other changes happening. In the wake of such a profound event or loss, the emotional toll is complex. While individual therapy can provide essential support, group family therapy and counseling may offer unique benefits. Also, because people cope very differently after a traumatic event, it is very important to remember that what works for one does not work for all. Therefore, finding the right counselor or therapist is critically important.

Creating a supportive network

One advantage of group family therapy is the creation of a supportive network of others who share similar experiences. Losing a child, or having one survive a cardiac arrest is a highly specific and isolating experience, and being in a group with other families who have gone through similar tragedies can provide a sense of belonging and understanding that is hard to find elsewhere. This shared understanding can help alleviate feelings of isolation and validate the complex emotions that each family member may be experiencing.

Encouraging open communication

Group family therapy creates a space where open communication is encouraged and facilitated. Grieving family members often struggle with expressing their emotions, especially when trying to protect other family members from additional pain. In a group setting, you can feel more comfortable sharing your thoughts and feelings, knowing that others in the group are experiencing similar emotions. This open communication can foster a deeper understanding of each other’s grief and strengthen familial bonds as everyone navigates their unique paths of coping and grieving together. Children and teens may find it challenging to process their questions or grief following the cardiac arrest of a sibling or peer. Group family therapy offers a safe environment where young individuals can express themselves freely and connect with others who are going through similar experiences. This can help normalize their feelings and reduce feelings of alienation or confusion.

Learning coping strategies

Navigating stress, grief, and loss requires learning effective coping strategies, and group family therapy provides a platform for sharing and learning these techniques. Within the group, families can exchange practical advice, learn communication skills and emotional regulation techniques, and share coping mechanisms that have worked for them. Professionals leading the sessions can also provide guidance on healthy grieving processes, which can be particularly beneficial for children and teens who may struggle to clearly express their emotions.

Addressing negative coping strategies

Grief can put one at risk of unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as excessive alcohol consumption, substance abuse, or other addictive behaviors. These behaviors may provide temporary numbness or escape from overwhelming emotions but can ultimately exacerbate the grieving process and lead to long-term negative consequences. By addressing potential negative coping mechanisms early on, therapists can help families recognize warning signs and redirect their focus toward healthier ways of processing grief.

Supporting vulnerable members

Children and teens may be vulnerable to negative coping strategies if they feel unsupported or misunderstood in their grief. It is important to provide a safe space for younger family members, where all involved feel supported and welcome to express their emotions and receive guidance on constructive ways to cope. This proactive approach reduces the likelihood that they will turn to harmful behaviors for solace. Group therapy encourages open dialogue about the challenges of grief, reducing the sense of isolation that can drive individuals toward self-medication.

Strengthening resilience and hope

While the pain of losing a child or teen to cardiac arrest may never fully subside, or if a child survives and has significant life changes, group family therapy can help families find meaning and purpose in their lives again. By witnessing others’ journeys of healing and resilience within the group, families can begin to envision a future where joy and hope are possible once more. This collective resilience can inspire and motivate each member of the family to continue moving forward, even on the darkest days.

Thank you to our contributors

Kim Ruether & Katherine Allen