Childhood bereavement is a critical issue and an increasingly important national priority. According to the Childhood Bereavement Estimation Model (CBEM), an estimated 6.3 million children in the United States will experience the death of a parent or sibling by age 18. That alarming statistic is one of many reasons why Sarah Rothluebber, a therapist at our Golden, CO clinic, chose to support children, teens and young adults.
Since joining Family Care Center in May 2023, Sarah has been a source of comfort and healing for many grieving children and their families. With a background in trauma and a passion for early intervention, Sarah brings a unique perspective to her role, making her an invaluable asset to Family Care Center patients and providers.
The impact of early intervention
Sarah’s path to becoming a therapist began early in life. Diagnosed with dyslexia, she experienced firsthand the importance of early intervention. This personal encounter with support systems sparked her interest in therapy. “Therapy and learning disabilities differ, but early intervention with kids was pivotal for me,” she explains. “It set me up for success in adulthood, and I wanted to provide that same foundation for others.”
A deeper understanding of trauma
Her academic journey took her to the University of Denver, where she pursued graduate studies in trauma and international disaster response. This program trained her to work with individuals and communities who are affected by traumatic events, acute and chronic civil conflict and social disparities.
While in graduate school, Sarah spent two months in Johannesburg, South Africa, at the Center for the Study of Violence and Reconciliation, where she worked with adults who had endured political torture, deepening her understanding of trauma and resilience.
Sarah Rothluebber’s community connection to Judi’s House
Upon returning to Colorado, Sarah was introduced to Judi’s House, a grief support organization that helps children navigate trauma and loss. She interned with Judi’s House during her graduate studies and found the perfect intersection of her two passions: working with kids and addressing trauma. For a year, she led group sessions for children who had lost loved ones to various causes, including medical conditions, overdose, suicide, accidents and homicide.
At Judi’s House, group nights were organized based on the cause of death and the age of the children, ranging from elementary to high school. Judi’s House also facilitated groups for caregivers, providing them with the tools to support their grieving children. “Caregiver groups are crucial,” she emphasizes. “They help caregivers understand how to be there for their kids, even if they’re struggling with their own grief.”
The impact of her work extended beyond the walls of Judi’s House. Since some children couldn’t commit to ongoing sessions at Judi’s House, Sarah met with middle school students in their schools, conducting grief counseling in small groups. This approach fostered a sense of solidarity among the kids, allowing their school counselors to be better prepared to help them heal.
A collaborative approach to healing
Sarah’s work at Family Care Center mirrors the collaborative ethos she valued at Judi’s House. She believes in the power of psychoeducation and gradual, empathetic engagement.
“When it comes to grief, I help clients understand that all thoughts, feelings and behaviors after someone dies are normal. We all grieve differently, and validating their unique experiences is important.”
Sarah Rothluebber, LPC
Sarah also emphasizes the significance of maintaining connections with lost loved ones. “Just because they’re not here physically doesn’t mean the relationship ends. I help clients find ways to honor and connect with those who’ve passed,” she says.
Sarah’s dedication to her clients is evident in her compassionate approach to therapy. She helps families understand that healing can be challenging but ultimately rewarding. “Grief counseling is like cleaning a wound. It’s painful but makes the healing process more manageable,” she analogizes. She aims to ensure clients leave therapy with resilience and hope.
