Grief Processing Framework
Navigate grief with attachment neurobiology
The Grief Processing Framework is based on the idea that grief is a natural response to loss, and that it can be understood through the lens of human attachment. The framework emphasizes the importance of acknowledging and working with both feelings of protest and despair, and transmuting those feelings into actions and memories that maintain the memory of the person or role that was lost.
- Grief is a natural response to loss
- Attachment neurobiology plays a crucial role in the grieving process
- Feelings of protest and despair must be acknowledged and worked with
- Acknowledge and accept the lossRecognize the reality of the loss and allow yourself to feel the emotions that come with it.Pro tipSeek support from loved ones, therapy, or support groupsWarningAvoid suppressing or denying emotions, as this can prolong the grieving process
- Work with feelings of protest and despairAllow yourself to feel and process the emotions of protest and despair, and find ways to transmute them into actions and memories that maintain the memory of the person or role that was lost.Pro tipEngage in activities that bring comfort and meaning, such as writing, art, or talking to loved onesWarningBe patient with yourself and allow the process to unfold naturally
- Create a new narrativeFind ways to reframe the loss and create a new narrative that incorporates the memory of the person or role that was lost, while also acknowledging the reality of the present moment.Pro tipSeek out new experiences and relationships that can help you grow and find meaningWarningAvoid getting stuck in the past or idealizing the person or role that was lost
After losing a loved one, it's common to feel a range of emotions, including shock, denial, anger, and sadness. The Grief Processing Framework can help individuals navigate these emotions and find ways to maintain the memory of the person who was lost.
Non-death losses, such as the end of a relationship or the loss of a job, can also be processed using the Grief Processing Framework. By acknowledging and working with emotions, individuals can find ways to move forward and create a new narrative.
Dr. Mary-Frances O'Connor's research on grief and loss led to the development of this framework, which is rooted in attachment neurobiology and the idea that grief is a process of learning to live with the loss of a loved one.