Grief as Healer
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Authors
Kopeck, Ellen
Issue Date
1988
Type
Thesis
Language
en
Keywords
Alternative Title
Abstract
The successful bereavement outcome was investigated in this research project. Because the literature supported the existence of such an outcome but did not elaborate further, five San Francisco Bay Area therapists were interviewed to discover their definition of this outcome, how the outcome was measured, and what is considered to be the special needs of the bereaved in therapy. It was found that the outcome is not clearly defined, the criteria for success are determined by the subjective opinion of the therapist, and little measurement of the outcome is made. The argument is presented that this situation is due to a prevalent denial of death, pervasive even within the psychological community. Recommendations include both methods for defining and measuring the successful outcome, and education of potential therapists.