about us
The Grieving Space LLC has a mission to support the unique needs of children and their families navigating illness, grief and the loss of a parent, caregiver or sibling. We provide supportive interventions to help children and families cope with their grief journey.
Supporting children and families in-person in the Chicagoland area. Specific services are available virtually across
the United States.
who we work with
Kids
Our therapeutic services for children provides a safe space for young kids to explore their emotions, build connections, and learn how to cope with their grief and loss.
Caregivers
Our caregiver support services give caregivers the space to navigate the complexities of grieving and parenting with expert guidance and tangible tools.
Professionals
Through trainings, consults, speaking, and collaboration, we help professionals provide guidance and care to children and families navigating illness, disease and loss.
our values
At The Grieving Space, we believe every child deserves compassionate, age-appropriate support. We are guided by the belief that grief is not linear, and that each child and family’s journey is unique.
my story
Mackenzie Liberta, MA, CCLS, GC-C
I’m Mackenzie, the founder of The Grieving Space LLC, a dual Certified Child Life Specialist and Grief Counselor with experience supporting children and families through grief and loss in the hospital setting and nonprofit space.
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I created this practice out of a deep commitment to walk alongside individuals through their loss with care, empathy, and meaningful connection. Doing so enables me to offer a therapeutic space for both children and their caregivers to process loss.
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Thank you for inviting me into your journey. It’s an honor to provide this space for you.
Speaking Engagements & Collaborative Work
Mackenzie Liberta shares expertise on supporting children and families through illness, disease and loss. She is available for presentations, workshops/trainings and creative collaborations.
Past Engagements
COPE Foundation
Two Journeys of Grief: Parenting After the Loss of a Spouse or Co-Parent
Association of Child Life Professionals
Navigating Loss Together: Facilitating Grief Support Groups​
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Child Life Hospice and Palliative Care Network
When a Caregiver is Terminally Ill: Helping Families Navigate End of Life Conversations
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Good Grief
Helping Kids Understand Serious Illness Resource Sheet
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Child Life Specialist Practices
As Certified Child Life Specialist, we provide age-appropriate education, preparation, emotional support and coping strategies for children and families navigating the death or impending loss of a parent/caregiver. Whether managing a terminal illness, preparing for end of life, or following a loss, The Grieving Space supports you and your kids with care and expertise. Read More
Grief Counseling Practices
Certified Grief Counselors specialize in supporting children through the emotional challenges that arise with loss. Using a compassionate and empathetic approach, we help children navigate their unique grief journey, providing the tools and guidance they need to understand and express their emotions in healthy, manageable ways. Grief may be challenging, but with support, children can learn to incorporate loss into their lives while continuing to grow and develop.
Certified through The Child Life Certification Commission (CLCC) with standards of excellence set by the Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP). “Certified Child Life Specialists (CCLS) play a critical role in supporting child health and wellness...CCLSs promote and protect emotional safety in times of duress. This minimizes both the immediate and long-term effects of stress, anxiety, and psychosocial trauma, ultimately empowering children, families, and their support systems.”
Recognized and supported by the AAP as an essential role and a standard of pediatric psychosocial care. “Child life specialists provide interventions that include therapeutic play, expressive modalities, and psychological preparation to facilitate coping and normalization at times and under circumstances that might otherwise prove overwhelming for the child
Child life professionals rely on evidence-based practice to guide interventions with children and families to support their optimal development and well-being.