The main aims of the program are to:

 - support young people to understand and manage the grief that is experienced because of the loss of a parent or significant other through death, separation or divorce

 - assist in normalising the emotions associated with the loss

 - encourage the expression of thoughts and emotions

 - educate about the grief process

 - develop a peer support network

 - help restore self-confidence and self-esteem

 - draw on extensive research in developing a sound educative response to loss and grief

Target group:

The Seasons for Growth program targets children and young people who have experienced significant change, loss and grief in relation to family breakdown, separation, divorce or death of a significant other. It is a selective program that caters for ages 6-18 years. The primary program consists of three levels:

Level 1 (ages 6-8 years)

Level 2 (ages 9-10 years)

Level 3 (ages 11-12 years)

Program content and components:

Each level of the Seasons for Growth Young People’s Program consists of 8 sessions, 1 celebration session and 2 ‘reconnector’ sessions. At each level, the sessions follow the cycle of the four seasons:

Autumn – Session 1 and 2 aim to support participants to come to terms with the reality of the loss.

Winter – Session 3 and 4 give participants the opportunity to learn about the emotions that accompany grief and how each has experienced these in their own loss.

Spring - Session 5 and 6 aim to provide participants with the skills that will assist them to process their own grief.

Summer – Session 7 and 8 encourage participants to explore the ways of letting go and moving on.

In addition to the student component, the Seasons for Growth program also aims to establish a parent partnership as part of the process. The key features of this include:

 - An initial information session (1.5 hours)

 - Assurance of confidentiality (mandatory reporting issues explained)

Quality communication

Invitation to experience the program separately as an adult group

Encouragement to reflect on their own reactions to the death/separation/divorce and strategies for supporting their children

Invitation to participate in the Celebration session at the conclusion of program sessions

Optional activities that can be shared with a parent/family member to encourage further family communication

PROGRAM EVALUATION

Identified theoretical framework:

Seasons for Growth has been developed from grief theory related to the work of psychologist, J. William Worden. His tasks of grieving have been adapted to an education model using the cycle of the seasons to provide a language for participants to name, understand and manage the changes experienced in their lives.

The activities, strategies and techniques in the Seasons for Growth program and Companion Training are informed by an educational and cognitive behavioural framework. The program is strengths-based and draws upon the aspects of narrative and solution focused therapies.

Evidence of effectiveness:

(according to criteria developed by CASEL for rating program effectiveness)

No evaluations were submitted that met the inclusion criteria.

References supplied by program authors:

Frydenburg, E., & Muller, D. (2005). Coping with loss. An evaluation of the Seasons for Growth program. Melbourne, Australia: The University of Melbourne.
Jolley, G., & Masters, S. (2004). Seasons for Growth: Evaluation report on the South Australian Primary Schools Program. Adelaide, Australia: South Australian Community Health Research Unit.
Muller, D., & Saulwick, I. (1999). An evaluation of the Seasons for Growth Program. Consolidated Report. Canberra, Australian Capital Territory: Commonwealth Government of Australia, Department of Health and Aged Care.

PROGRAM IMPLEMENTATION

Program structure:

The Seasons for Growth program ideally involves groups of four to seven students, and also provides information regarding Additional Resources, such as ideas for using literature, guided imagery and ritual. These alternative activities provide flexibility in meeting the needs of different groups.

It is recommended that the Seasons for Growth program begin in mid-term (approximately Week 5), completing four sessions prior to the term break. The participants resume the Seasons for Growth program in Week 1 of the next term for four more sessions, followed by the Celebration session in Week 5. This allows an opportunity for the participants to integrate the learning over a longer period of time, including the holidays. However, schools have flexibility to implement the Program at their most convenient time.

The two ‘Reconnector’ sessions allow participants to meet again and discuss any issues that may have arisen from their learning and their living. It is recommended that the group meet approximately 6-8 weeks after completion of the program and then again just prior to the Christmas vacation. Suggested activities for these two ‘Reconnector’ sessions are included with the program.

Each session runs for approximately 30 to 40 minutes each with a standard format.

Staff professional learning (PL):

The program is conducted by ‘Companions’, which include Teachers and School Counsellors, who are required to undergo a two-day training workshop. In this training, Companions are offered the principles, skills and techniques required to fully understand the possibilities and limitations of their role. They also receive ongoing support.

About the author(s): 

Anne Graham is an Associate Professor in the School of Education and is also Director of the Centre for Children and Young People, Southern Cross University. Anne is a member of the Australian Council for Children and Parenting (ACCAP) appointed in 2003.

Contact information: