Award-winning author Christine Dernederlanden, C.T.S.S., C.T.R., IAC-MP, created H.U.G.S. (Helping Understand Grief Sessions) from a deep desire to help children navigate the overwhelming pain of grief. This compassionate bereavement program was born out of The Where is Robert? grief kit, which became a lifeline for over 6,000 families devastated by the 9/11 terrorist attacks. Christine’s tireless work during this heartbreaking time touched so many lives that it earned her a certificate of appreciation from former U.S. Secretary of Defense, Donald H. Rumsfeld. Her program, Helping Children Understand Grief Sessions, was further inspired by her time spent co-facilitating grief camps with the Friendship Ambassadors, an organization dedicated to fostering understanding through the United Nations and Lions International. At the heart of these efforts is the H.U.G.S. Manual, which offers gentle guidance for those helping children in their darkest moments.

H.U.G.S. Helping Understand Grief Sessions - Certified Facilitator Training

Christine has shared her compassionate approach with school boards and organizations, training them to become beacons of hope for grieving children. The District School Board of Niagara, the Catholic District School Board of Niagara, and international school boards have embraced H.U.G.S., creating safe spaces for healing in schools, hospices, and funeral homes. The program was endorsed by the Association of Trauma and Stress Specialists, and each participant who completes the training leaves not just with a certificate but with the skills and heart to be a certified H.U.G.S. facilitator—ready to help children and families through the toughest of times.

The updated version of H.U.G.S. (Helping Understand Grief Sessions) is set to release this year 2024, offering even more activities and concepts designed to connect with today’s evolving generations. This new edition includes fresh, age-appropriate content that reflects the emotional challenges faced by children and families in our ever-changing world, ensuring that the program remains relevant and impactful for those in need of compassionate grief support.

Certified Grief and Trauma Recovery Programs, led by Christine Dernederlanden C.B.T.,C.T.S.S.,IAC-MP, ensure participants meet high standards of competency through practicum-based learning and practical application.

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The H.U.G.S. Program in action! 

  • H.U.G.S Facilitator Training

    Bring the H.U.G.S. program to your team—introduce H.U.G.S. and train as Certified Facilitators.

  • Pinwheel of emotions

    Excellent way to explain the many emotions of the grieving process.

  • Sharing our stories

    Sharing our stories in a safe and comfortable environment allows for release and realization. We are not alone in our grief.

  • The memory box

    The memory box is a pivotal part of the H.U.G.S. program. Each part of the box holds a special meaning

  • Two amazing young students who created pinwheels of emotions and memorial rocks for there parents who died. Niagara Falls Review

  • Young man working on his memorial rock with the help of H.U.G.S. facilitators. Niagara Falls Review.

  • Exploring our feelings through mask making.

  • Memory boxes are a great way to explore and cherish our loved ones.

International Camps: H.U.G.S.

In The Press - Niagara Fall Review 

For Kayla, it was as if a light went off in her head. She realized she was no longer alone.
"I don't have to keep all this stuff inside me any more. I can express my feelings about everything I'm going through and there's other people who have experienced the same thing," she said.
Bryson Allen, a Grade 2 student, is one of the youngest members of HUGS.
The eight-year-old lost his father Jeff to cancer less than three months ago.
"Inside it's like your heart is racing," he said, pointing to his chest.
"But, when you get to talk to someone, you're calm and not nervous. I can tell them anything and it makes me less heartbroken."
Clark Ashey, 11, is a veteran of the HUGS program. The Grade 5 student who lost his father to cancer two years ago was one of the first students to take the course and he now acts as a mentor to other students like Bryson.
"I help the other kids out and let them know I'll be there for them if they need anything," he said.
Cocco said she has seen "tremendous" growth in all of the children as a result of the program. If not for the group, she said, the children would continue to suffer in silence. 

H.U.G.S. Group at District School Board of Niagara. Garrison Road School.

Testimonies

  • "Christine presents very practical strategies and tools that can be easily implemented with children and their families. Her warm, friendly and natural approach to such sensitive issues make her an easy presenter to listen to."

    - Leah Ferron, Child Development Counsellor, Near North District School Board

  • "I have had an opportunity to see Christine speak on two separate occasions regarding issues pertaining to grief, bereavement and trauma and have found her presentation formats to be organized, engaging and practical. Christine exudes a confidence in her speaking, demonstrating a vast amount of energy, enthusiasm and eagerness in helping others recognize their potential within this area."

    - Nancy Morphet, Certified Child Life Specialist

  • "Christine is a knowledgeable speaker who captivates her audience. Her humour and enthusiasm gets everyone excited. Through art, music and play therapy, Mrs. Dernederlanden points out the positive side of life's situations. She has an unique ability to draw attention to the present and future."

    - Barbara Maurer MA, LPC, CTS New York

TO LEARN MORE ABOUT H.U.G.S

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Cora and the Corona

Cora and the Corona is a true story of one little girl's journey to healing while in quarantine. The story explores Cora's emotional reaction to her new life in quarantine. In Cora's eye's, her life has completely stopped as she is confined to the boundaries of her home for weeks on end. Cora expresses her fear, anxiety, sadness and loneliness while missing her best friend Allorah. With nothing else to do, Cora confides in her little dog, Gizzy, about her loneliness. She soon realizes Gizzy and the neighbour's two great danes are speaking to each other through barking. This inspires Cora to explore ways to reach out to others through music. Quickly, Cora starts making instruments from recycled materials and begins to sing a tune, "Carefully staying away is the key to being corona free". Soon her back neighbours peer through their windows, as they listen to her music echo through the air. This only inspires Cora to sing louder! Cora continues her singing throughout her quarantine, inspiring those around her that one day we will be free from fear again.

To learn more about the Cora and the Corona or to ask for free copies for your school or organization click below.

 Professional Grief and Trauma Recovery Support and Grief Coaching are not to be used as a substitute for professional advice by legal, medical, financial, business, spiritual or other qualified professionals. ​All our products and services are designed for grief, empowerment through learning and sharing  of lived experiences.