smith cover

In This Together: Supporting Children In Grief: A storybook, caregiver guide, counselor companion, and healing activities for children in need

Author(s)
Marie Villescas, Virginia Smith
Edition
1
Copyright
2026
Pages
56
Book Type
Children's
Retail

CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT
Help Me Choose

Paperback Book

$17.00

ISBN: 9798385171545
Details: 
Print Product

eBook

$12.00

ISBN: 9798385171552
Details: 
Electronic Delivery EBOOK - 365 days

CHOOSE YOUR FORMAT
Help Me Choose

Paperback Book

$17.00

ISBN: 9798385171545
Details: 
Print Product

eBook

$12.00

ISBN: 9798385171552
Details: 
Electronic Delivery EBOOK - 365 days

This book is meant for Children:
The first section of this book is an illustrated children's book. This is designed to be read with the child by a caring adult in their life - parent, caregiver, counselor, etc. This book aims to normalize the feelings connected to grief, which are sometimes surprising to both the child and the family.

This book is meant for Caregivers:
The second section of this book is meant for caregivers. This is a generic term that can refer to a parent, a grandparent, a foster parent, and numerous other loved ones that might be taking care of the child/youth. This section covers common emotions experienced during grief, how grief can present during different developmental stages (based on age), and activities that can aid in healing and the connection between caregiver and youth. This section is written in adult language, but all the concepts can be discussed between the caregiver and youth in developmentally appropriate language.

This book is meant for Counselors:
The third section of this book is meant for counselors. The word counselors is being used in a broad term to include Master's level practitioners in roles such as: school counselors, therapists in community roles and those licensed in private practice. This section covers important conversations or concepts connected to the treatment of caregivers and youth. It also briefly describes theories or tools that might be a good place to start with youth in treatment. Finally, there are therapeutic activities which have been used successfully in practice to help create youth and family healing.

 

Marie Villescas

I am a Senior Instructor in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University. Before becoming a social work educator, I spent over 20 years working in the mental health field with children and families. I now have the privilege of teaching future clinicians how to effectively support youth and their caregivers.  This work has provided me with extensive experience and skills in helping children and their support systems navigate trauma, abuse, neglect, and a wide range of mental health concerns—from mild to severe. Creating these books is another way I am able to extend that support to youth, caregivers, and counselors, with the goal of fostering happier, healthier homes.

Virginia Smith

Virginia Smith, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has dedicated my career to supporting children and families in K–12 school settings. With years of experience working alongside students, educators, and caregivers, I specialize in helping youth navigate challenges such as ADHD, autism, grief, and trauma by developing coping skills that carry from school into everyday life.

I am passionate about building strong partnerships between home, school, and community, ensuring that every child is supported at the center of that connection. My work has given me a unique perspective on bridging these spaces to create meaningful, lasting support systems for families.

I live in Loveland, Colorado, with my husband and our two children. Through my writing, I hope to share helpful insights and encouragement with families, caregivers, and anyone who supports children.

This book is meant for Children:
The first section of this book is an illustrated children's book. This is designed to be read with the child by a caring adult in their life - parent, caregiver, counselor, etc. This book aims to normalize the feelings connected to grief, which are sometimes surprising to both the child and the family.

This book is meant for Caregivers:
The second section of this book is meant for caregivers. This is a generic term that can refer to a parent, a grandparent, a foster parent, and numerous other loved ones that might be taking care of the child/youth. This section covers common emotions experienced during grief, how grief can present during different developmental stages (based on age), and activities that can aid in healing and the connection between caregiver and youth. This section is written in adult language, but all the concepts can be discussed between the caregiver and youth in developmentally appropriate language.

This book is meant for Counselors:
The third section of this book is meant for counselors. The word counselors is being used in a broad term to include Master's level practitioners in roles such as: school counselors, therapists in community roles and those licensed in private practice. This section covers important conversations or concepts connected to the treatment of caregivers and youth. It also briefly describes theories or tools that might be a good place to start with youth in treatment. Finally, there are therapeutic activities which have been used successfully in practice to help create youth and family healing.

 

Marie Villescas

I am a Senior Instructor in the School of Social Work at Colorado State University. Before becoming a social work educator, I spent over 20 years working in the mental health field with children and families. I now have the privilege of teaching future clinicians how to effectively support youth and their caregivers.  This work has provided me with extensive experience and skills in helping children and their support systems navigate trauma, abuse, neglect, and a wide range of mental health concerns—from mild to severe. Creating these books is another way I am able to extend that support to youth, caregivers, and counselors, with the goal of fostering happier, healthier homes.

Virginia Smith

Virginia Smith, LCSW

I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) who has dedicated my career to supporting children and families in K–12 school settings. With years of experience working alongside students, educators, and caregivers, I specialize in helping youth navigate challenges such as ADHD, autism, grief, and trauma by developing coping skills that carry from school into everyday life.

I am passionate about building strong partnerships between home, school, and community, ensuring that every child is supported at the center of that connection. My work has given me a unique perspective on bridging these spaces to create meaningful, lasting support systems for families.

I live in Loveland, Colorado, with my husband and our two children. Through my writing, I hope to share helpful insights and encouragement with families, caregivers, and anyone who supports children.