Supporting Elvis Children

The loss of a child within a family and its impact on the family system is often carried in 
silence; unseen, unresolved, and rarely spoken about. This loss may follow miscarriage, 
stillbirth, sudden infant death syndrome (cot death), or the early death of a (twin) brother 
or sister.



The child who is born immediately after the deceased child is unconsciously given an 
impossible task: to meet their parents’ unmet needs in the wake of their grief.



This book offers a revealing insight into the lives of people who grew up in this unique 
position: Elvis Children. The term is inspired by the formative life story of Elvis Presley, 
whose twin brother died at birth. Elvis is said to have felt compelled to live for two, as a 
“replacement child”, a burden that accompanied him throughout his life.



Grounded in a contextual therapy approach, the book explores the risk factors faced 
by both young and adult Elvis Children. First-hand accounts illuminate these dynamics 
and offer recognition to Elvis Children and their parents alike. Alongside theory and 
practice examples, it provides clear, practical guidance for professionals working with 
Elvis Children in healthcare and education.



ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Ard Nieuwenbroek is a trainer, therapist, and supervisor at OrthoHulp. He is an educationalist with a background in social pedagogy. He completed his training in contextual therapy at Leren over Leven.


Judith Kimenai is a writer and trained contextual practitioner. She spent many years teaching in secondary education, where she worked not only as a teacher but also as a dedicated mentor and student counsellor. She now focuses primarily on publications within the educational sector.


Tanya Defferary is a counselling psychologist with a DPhil in Psychology, practising in Port Elizabeth, South Africa. Her work centres on contextual therapy and sandtray processes, with a particular interest in intergenerational patterns and relational healing.