Narratives from Grief Counseling: Client Perspectives on Effective Interventions and Strategies for Recovery

Abstract

This qualitative study examines the unique and personal experiences of individuals that have experienced grief and loss through bereavement. The terms associated with grief and bereavement are defined by the literature. An historical perspective of the research on theories of grief and interventions for recovery are presented. The narrative stories of bereaved individuals are shared and common themes identified. The major themes of experiences, coping strategies and successful interventions as identified by the participants are compared to the literature. Recommendations for counseling bereaved individuals are made based on the experiences of the bereaved participants. Implications and recommendations for counselors working with bereaved individuals are made. The need for continued research in the area of bereavement theory and counseling is stated.