Improving the Efficacy of Intervention for Bereaved Individuals: Toward a Process-Focused Psychotherapeutic Perspective

Abstract

Professional psychotherapeutic intervention programs for bereaved individuals are not highly effective. We explore the range of possible reasons for this, based on arguments made in the literature and on further key considerations that have so far been neglected. Limited efficacy may be due to inclusion of bereaved individuals who do not need help; inappropriate types of intervention; inadequate quantity (too much or too little); or incorrect timing of the intervention (too soon or too late). Accordingly, we propose that effective intervention will require (1) motivated bereaved persons, (2) identifying and working on processes that cause or maintain the difficulties presented by the bereaved person, and (3) flexibility on the part of the therapist. We describe a number of processes underlying the difficulties encountered by bereaved people, which need consideration in therapy. In addition to these process-focused interventions, working on the therapeutic relationship will be a fundamental factor in helping bereaved individuals cope with their difficult grief.