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Spiritual Interventions In Bereavement Support

Spiritual Interventions In Bereavement Support . Provides growth and new life . Grief. The majority of people find their own way through their loss without the help of professional counsellors

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Spiritual Interventions In Bereavement Support

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  1. Spiritual InterventionsIn Bereavement Support Provides growth and new life

  2. Grief • The majority of people find their own way through their loss without the help of professional counsellors • Some people will suffer serious physical and mental health issues if not provided with professional support (Parkes, 2001) • Working through grief can provide opportunities for personal growth and strengthened religious beliefs (Calhoun & Tedeschi, 1990)

  3. Attachment & Separation • The genesis of grief lies in the inevitability of both attachment and separation for the sustenance and development of human life (Mitchell & Anderson, 1983) • The despair that emerges in the grief process stems from the knowledge that the relationship is not able to be restored (Weiss, 2001)

  4. Case Study • Ji Ji’s husband diagnosed with cancer 2004 at the age of 53 • 4 year period of surgery & chemotherapy • Ji Ji was the primary carer • Husband died in hospital 2008 • 2 visits to provide supportive care to Ji Ji in her home

  5. Spiritual History • Ji Ji was a lapsed Catholic with no connection to the institutional church • She had no hope or certainty that her husband would have a resurrected life and be at peace with God • The death of her husband challenged her strongly held belief that they would grow old together and this took away her “innocence”

  6. Assessment of Spiritual Needs • Ji Ji’s spiritual & religious beliefs were reactivated early in the bereavement phase • Very spiritual person who found God present in nature and in sacred places • Needed support in her quest for meaning • Spiritual journey of great importance

  7. Formal Support Systems • Formal grief counselling provided for a short period of time • Regular support from GP providing medication for anxiety • Further counselling for extended period of time • Recommendation & referral to a Psychiatrist

  8. Informal Support Systems • 8 week closed bereavement support group • Followed by a monthly open support group • Ongoing support from a bereavement volunteer • Individual supportive care comprising a spiritual component

  9. Interventions • Spiritual conversations • Holding cross given to Ji Ji • Anointing with oil • Prayer • Sacraments • Spiritual resources • Provision of safe space

  10. Spirituality and religious coping • Brokenness and togetherness are both part of the human condition • Togetherness helps us to feel and believe that we belong • The model of companioning goes beyond the medical model of bereavement treatment and can promote meaning-making (Wolfelt, 1998) • Spiritual care is about being present so as to allow spiritual questions to be addressed and healing to take place (Harrington, 1995)

  11. Infinite Respect

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