When a child loses someone they love, finding ways to express their feelings and adjust to life after loss can be challenging. Narvis Nogueira, who joined VNA of the Treasure Coast a month and a half ago as the new Children’s Bereavement Counselor, holds a master’s degree in Child Protection and Human Services from Nova Southeastern University and is currently three classes away from completing her doctorate in Human Services Administration.
In her new role, Narvis helps create a safe and caring space where children can work through their grief, learn healthy coping skills and feel supported. She shares what brought her to VNA, her passion for working with children and how families can support children through grief.
Q: What inspired you to become a counselor?
A: I have always enjoyed working with kids. As a high school substitute teacher, I enjoyed teaching students, but I also found it rewarding to dive into their minds and help them understand why they were feeling what they were feeling. That is what made counseling so interesting to me.
Q: How do you help children express and work through their feelings after losing someone they love?
A: I create a safe and caring space where children can express their feelings through talking, play or art activities. I help them understand that all of their feelings are okay while teaching healthy ways to cope and remember their loved one.
Q: What are some ways parents and caregivers can support a grieving child?
A: They can support a grieving child by listening, being patient and allowing them to grieve in their own way and at their own pace. Keeping routines and talking openly about their loved one are also great ways to help children feel safe and supported.
Q: What do you wish more people understood about how children experience grief?
A: Everyone, including children, grieves in their own way. It is okay to feel all the feelings that come with grief.
Q: What is one thing you want families in our community to know about VNA’s bereavement support for children?
A: Families do not have to navigate grief alone. VNA bereavement support provides a safe and caring space for children to express their feelings, learn healthy coping skills and feel supported as they adjust to losing someone they love.
Q: What is the most rewarding part of your work?
A: Being able to support children during one of the hardest times of their lives. Seeing them begin to open up, express their feelings and cope in healthy ways is incredibly rewarding.
Q: What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
A: My family and I are always at Disney, whether we are hanging around the hotels or visiting the parks. My husband and I also enjoy going to Orlando City soccer games. I enjoy doing jigsaw puzzles and baking for my friends and family.
