How to work on grief in the family in psychotherapy?

Grief is an experience that is as painful as it is complex, especially since many times, especially in cases of death of loved ones, the way we experience it is linked to the context family.

So that... How is grief addressed in families through psychotherapeutic intervention? Let's see it.

• Related article: "The 8 types of grief and their characteristics"

Intervention in cases of bereavement in the family

First, I would take into account what type of family it is, the ages of its members and the moments in the life of each one in which the duel is going through them. Taking this information into account is necessary to develop strategies on how to address the situation through psychological therapy.

It is also necessary see what kind of duel it is, since although each duel is exceptionally difficult, they are particularly complicated depending on the circumstances, age of the deceased, bond and role in the family.

• You may be interested: "Grief: coping with the loss of a loved one"

The steps to follow

The first step is be able to talk about what happened, the circumstances, that family members can express their emotions in words and that each person can express how they feel. If there was a possibility of saying goodbye in a previous processing or if, on the contrary, it was abrupt. If there was a wake, burial, if your family feels peace because of the way they were able to go through these rituals.

All this seems very common, but during the COVID-19 crisis it was a great lack, and they are practices that in our society for many are fundamental for the processing of grief.

Being able to go through that pain is also key. Bring photos or items that belonged to that person to the session. To be able to speak through the memories of what comes up about family practices. See if those practices can be transferred to someone in the family. If there is a will to continue that tradition as a legacy, or is it something that they prefer to die with the person.

On the other hand, it is essential reassess that person's place in the family and become aware that she will no longer be. Help accept and understand that we can remember and recall those moments, which will always be with us. Connect with the positive traits of that person.

It is also important let sadness enter so that relatives can perceive that loss, give it place. Read stories that help elaborate these feelings of loneliness, helplessness, heartbreak, acceptance of anguish.

It is usually useful create a digital or printed photo album, like a book, with the most outstanding shared moments. Talk about them. Let everyone share how they remember it.

• Related article: "The 8 types of sadness: characteristics, possible causes and symptoms"

The challenge of overcoming loss as a family

In addition, it is important to achieve a family and individual project so that its members, from then on, can create new goals and practices that push them forward and strengthen their family ties.

Another recommended measure is to promote, in the case of mothers who have lost a child, the link with Renacer or with Luz del Cielo, which are institutions that work with mothers who have lost their children. This generates a greater feeling of belonging, acceptance, validation and a better processing of grief as people who go through the same situation.

In addition, to turn the page it is good to find a way to make donations of clothing, furniture, personal items that family members do not want to keep on behalf of the deceased. Usually it helps to release tension and anguish by giving back to others something of the lost person.

In general, another of the recommended strategies is to look for support practices that can strengthen the family. Whether they are social, religious, family, that allow them to feel protected and contained in the process of mourning.

• You may be interested: "Family therapy: types and forms of application"

The importance of taking care of physical and mental health

It is necessary to avoid, unless it becomes complicated, the recommendation of psychopharmaceuticals that only postpone the elaboration of the duel. Also, it is important prevent family members from falling into excessive behaviors to avoid processing the mourning, such as overwork, or manic or self-injurious behavior. work the fault and acceptance.

Strategies must also be promoted to seek to generate healthy practices. Duels bring new beginnings, so it is good to promote pending projects or modify behaviors that were unfavorable. Generate family cohesion and appreciation of its members.