Introduction
Bereavement therapy is a type of psychotherapeutic intervention designed to help individuals cope with the loss of a loved one. It is used in a variety of settings, including hospitals, hospices, and private practice settings. The goal of bereavement therapy is to help the bereaved individual process their grief in a healthy and meaningful way. This article will discuss the strategies and goals of bereavement therapy, as well as the evidence supporting its efficacy.
History
The concept of bereavement therapy has been around for centuries, although it has only recently been formally recognized as an effective form of psychotherapy. In the early 1900s, Sigmund Freud wrote about the concept of mourning and its importance in healing from loss. Later, in the 1960s, psychiatrist Elisabeth Kübler-Ross wrote extensively about the stages of grief and how they could be addressed in psychotherapy. In the 1980s, psychiatrist Colin Parkes developed the concept of “complicated grief” and highlighted the importance of early intervention in managing it.
Goals and Strategies
The primary goal of bereavement therapy is to help the bereaved individual process their grief in a meaningful and healthy way. Grief is an individual experience that can manifest itself in a variety of ways, and the therapist’s job is to create a safe and supportive environment for the bereaved individual to explore their feelings. Strategies used in bereavement therapy include cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and narrative therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses on identifying and changing maladaptive thought patterns and behaviors. Through CBT, the therapist can help the bereaved individual identify and address any irrational beliefs or unhelpful behaviors that may be perpetuating their grief.
Mindfulness-based approaches, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), focus on enhancing an individual’s awareness of their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. Through mindfulness, the bereaved individual can learn to accept their grief and find meaning in their experiences.
Narrative therapy is an approach focused on helping individuals create a narrative of their life and experiences. In bereavement therapy, narrative therapy can be used to help the bereaved individual make sense of their loss and find a way to move forward.
Evidence of Efficacy
Research has shown that bereavement therapy is effective in helping individuals cope with the loss of a loved one. A meta-analysis of over 200 studies found that bereavement therapy was associated with significant reductions in depression, anxiety, and bereavement-related symptoms (de Rooy, van de Putte, & van der Boor, 2019). Other studies have found that bereavement therapy is associated with improved quality of life, greater self-efficacy, and increased social support (Kraaij, Garnefski, Leer, & van den Kommer, 2012).
Conclusion
Bereavement therapy is an effective form of psychotherapy designed to help individuals cope with the loss of a loved one. Through a variety of strategies, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, mindfulness-based approaches, and narrative therapy, the therapist can help the bereaved individual process their grief in a healthy and meaningful way. Research has shown that bereavement therapy is associated with significant reductions in symptoms of depression, anxiety, and bereavement-related distress, as well as increased quality of life.
References
De Rooy, D. J., van de Putte, E. M., & van der Boor, M. L. (2019). A meta-analysis of the efficacy of bereavement interventions for adults. Clinical Psychology Review, 68, 101326.
Kraaij, V., Garnefski, N., Leer, A., & van den Kommer, T. (2012). The effects of bereavement on psychological well-being: A meta-analysis. Death Studies, 36(10), 897-910.