Sibling grief: a case report

The intensity of sibling grief and the significance of sibling mourning are described in research studies. Yet, nurses caring for dying children may be unaware of these findings and may not offer adequate support to assist siblings in working through grief. This article details one child's perceptions of the loss of a brother and provides rich clinical material for understanding typical sibling responses. The description of the therapy sessions provides a model for working with siblings and demonstrates the value of art as a therapeutic medium. These strategies are useful for nurses working with grieving siblings and may be applicable to other situations in which children experience a significant loss.