Grief-Focused Therapy
A therapy approach specifically focused on supporting people through the grieving process and addressing prolonged or complicated grief reactions.
What Is Grief-Focused Therapy?
Grief-focused therapy is a therapeutic approach specifically focused on supporting people through the grieving process following a significant loss, and, in more structured forms, addressing prolonged or complicated grief reactions that extend well beyond typical mourning.
How It Works
This approach draws on an understanding of typical and complicated grief processes, providing support, psychoeducation about grief, and, in structured protocols such as prolonged grief disorder treatment, specific techniques addressing avoidance and unresolved aspects of the loss. This description uses original explanatory language.
What Happens During Therapy?
Sessions may involve discussing the loss and its impact, processing complicated feelings such as guilt or anger, and, in structured protocols, specific exercises addressing avoidance of reminders or unfinished business related to the loss.
Evidence and Effectiveness
Research supports structured grief-focused therapy, including specific protocols for prolonged grief disorder, with evidence from randomized controlled trials showing benefit beyond general supportive counseling for individuals with clinically significant, prolonged grief reactions.
Who May Benefit?
Grief-focused therapy may be considered for people experiencing significant distress related to a loss, particularly those with prolonged grief reactions that continue to significantly impair functioning well beyond expected timeframes.
Limitations and Considerations
Most people experience grief without needing formal treatment; grief-focused therapy is generally most relevant for prolonged, complicated presentations rather than typical mourning.
Finding a Qualified Therapist
Grief-focused therapy is delivered by psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed mental health counselors, and other mental health professionals, including some with specific training in prolonged grief treatment protocols.
How Long Does Therapy Take?
Grief-focused therapy length varies; structured prolonged grief disorder protocols are often delivered over approximately 16 sessions, while general grief support may vary more widely.
Therapy vs. Medication
Grief-focused therapy is a psychotherapy approach; medication may be considered for co-occurring depression in consultation with a qualified prescribing healthcare professional.
What Conditions Is It Used For?
Related Therapy Types
Medical Information Disclaimer
Ratel Health provides general educational information and does not provide medical diagnosis, treatment, or individualized medical advice. Information on this page is not a substitute for evaluation or care from a qualified healthcare professional. Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or another person, or to start, stop, or change treatment or medication without consulting an appropriately qualified healthcare professional.
References
- American Psychological Association. Clinical Practice Guidelines.
- American Psychiatric Association. Practice Guidelines.
- National Institute of Mental Health. Psychotherapies.