Groups for children traumatically bereaved by the attacks of September 11, 2001

The article reviews the use of debriefing and support groups for children who experienced the deaths of family members in the traumatic events of September 11, 2001. An overview of children's normal age-related responses to bereavement and of the special circumstances of trauma and grief provides the foundation for understanding the unique family and community stressors of 9/11 that impacted the children and group leaders. Stress-reduction exercises suitable for use with traumatized children in bereavement groups are presented together with specific drawing and written activities to encourage the processing of feelings.