Transcending Model of Grief of Loss

Loss is such a big part of life and it can be difficult to talk about and often we don’t even recognize the impact they have. There are many grief models available, but we recognized a limitation inherent to many of the models.  In these models, they primarily focus on death. In addition, many models have a focus on tasks, stages, or phases.  This language can set up an unrealistic expectation that grief is a linear process that can be thought of as a checklist. 

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We developed the Transcending Model of Grief and Loss. Why is the Transcending Model important when so many models exist?  It is not about creating a new explanation of the human experience, but rather it is important to look at the language and the expectations for healing that are associated with that language.  The Transcending Model of Grief and Loss is not about tasks, stages, but rather designed to help individuals recognize the spaces that grief can bring people to, as well as how to navigate those spaces. It is a way of conceptualizing the process that loss requires all people to go through. Grief is not a problem to solve, but a human experience that we need to join each other in.  This model is not a map in that it spells out a step by step guide on how to resolve the pain from grief, but rather a framework on how to help the individuals recognize where they are and know there may be other spaces/places they will find on their journey.  Each landscape may look unique to every individual, but there are some common features to recognize. There are also many factors that can impact the journey through processing grief.  

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Our book, Reconceptualizing Grief: Developmental Considerations for Counseling Clients Experiencing Loss, outlines the grief model and steps counselors can take to help counselors will be coming out in early 2024.  Please contact us to schedule your next workshops to learn more.