Grief

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School

Regent University *

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570

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Medicine

Date

Feb 20, 2024

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docx

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Uploaded by sopchak66

To be honest, I found this topic very fitting for my life. Grief has been a recurring experience for me, as I have suffered numerous losses, including sponsees, friends, mentors, a child, a lover, and most recently, my father in October. Though my fiancé affectionately refers to me as a robot due to my developed equanimity, it does not mean I do not experience loss. I have learned my own way of grieving, which typically involves suffering in silence, while surrounding myself with the people I care for and love. Before anything else, I would ask: "Am I approaching counseling with an unbiased and open mind, or are my issues clouding my judgment?" Given my unique relationship with grief and suffering, it is essential to ensure that I do not influence or hinder someone else's process of sadness and healing. This leads me to the following inquiry: What does an individual's relationship with grief look like? Everyone grieves differently—some, like me, prefer to grieve alone, while others express their sorrow through outward displays of crying or lashing out. Some individuals even choose to hide their grief. Consequently, the subsequent question arises: Is the person prepared to confront their grief and associated emotions, or are there concerns related to avoidance? In more recent research, attachment theory and cognitive stress theory have proven instrumental in understanding the adaptation process following the loss of a loved one, surpassing the outdated five-stage model (O'Connor, 2019). If a client lacks understanding of their suffering or grief, how can they effectively progress? Therefore, it becomes crucial to ask: "What is the person's comprehension and perspective on suffering and grief?" For many, faith plays a significant role in overcoming suffering and sadness. The therapist can integrate faith into the healing process by inquiring about the client's belief in God or another higher power. Rose Kennedy is credited with the quote: "It has been said that time heals all wounds. I do not agree. The wounds remain. In time, the mind, protecting its sanity, covers them with scar tissue and the pain lessens. However, it is never gone." This quote resonates when considering a client's statement that they did not feel better after six weeks. Grief and suffering are complex, intense, and long-lasting emotions. It is essential to remind the client that as a therapist, your role is to guide rather than provide immediate solutions. While you will strive to assist them, it is crucial to acknowledge that six weeks is a relatively short timeframe. Grief and suffering do not adhere to a specific schedule. McMinn and Neff (2020) explain that our culture lacks the practice of lament, often directing our grieving towards destructive outlets. Complaint, for example, hinders our ability to cultivate a genuine relationship with God (p. 44). Hawkins and Clinton (2015) highlight the significance of communal brokenness and healing within a biblical community. While learning from reading is valuable, isolation prevents true healing (p. 126). To support the client, it is vital to ensure they are not isolating themselves. While therapy sessions are helpful when held once or twice a week, individuals need more than just one listening ear during times of grief and suffering. A 2021 study reveals that loneliness and insufficient social support are common experiences in grief, raising concerns for emotional, mental, and physical health. The researchers discovered a correlation between loneliness and

post-bereavement depressive symptoms, contributing to the global burden of mental stigmatization (Cacciatore et al., 2021). For individuals of faith, prayer, church communities, and a connection with God may provide solace. However, those without religious beliefs may feel lost and hopeless. This underscores the importance of providing support groups designed for bereavement and loss. Lastly, McMinn and Neff (2020) emphasize the absence of selective emotional numbing. Human emotions encompass a full spectrum; by numbing the dark emotions, we inadvertently numb the positive ones. This is important because ignoring grief can cause unintended consequences and hinder the emotional recovery process. In order to work towards finding upeace, one must acknowledge and feel the pain. References Cacciatore, J., Thieleman, K., Fretts, R., & Jackson, L. B. (2021). What is good grief support? Exploring the actors and actions in social support after traumatic grief. PLOS ONE , 16 (5), e0252324. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0252324 Hawkins, R., & Clinton, T. (2015). The New Christian Counselor . Harvest House Publishers. Mcminn, M. R., & Neff, M. (2020). Embodying integration : a fresh look at Christianity in the therapy room . Ivp Academic, An Imprint Of Intervarsity Press. O’Connor, M.-F. (2019). Grief: A Brief History of Research on How Body, Mind, and Brain Adapt. Psychosomatic Medicine , 81 (8), 731–738. https://doi.org/10.1097/PSY.0000000000000717

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