What is the theory behind this Bereavement Therapy Worksheet?

Bereavement therapy is intended to help people who are struggling to adjust after the loss of a loved one. The process of grieving is a normal occurrence but for some it is too overwhelming to deal with all the mix of different emotions. This is when a grief counsellor can be a helpful choice to come to terms with one’s irreplaceable loss. 

How will the worksheet help?

The worksheet will prompt individuals to write a goodbye letter addressed to their loved one who has passed away. This will help them in finding closure in a positive way. It will also help to vent out all their negative and positive emotions associated with this event and the person on to paper. 

How to use the worksheet?

This worksheet can be used during the ending sessions of grief therapy when a person has come to terms with their loss and are beginning to accept what has happened. Instruct the client to use the given prompt to let out all they feel in a last emotional goodbye to their loved one.  

Bereavement Therapy Worksheet

Write a goodbye letter to the loved one you have lost. This is a powerful way to express your feelings and say all that you could not. Use the given prompts .You can do whatever you wish with your letter afterwards. Share it, keep it somewhere safe or shred it. 

To, ___________________________

I am writing this letter to tell you 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Without you I have been feeling like 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I was just remembering the time when 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I always wanted to tell you 

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

I will always be grateful to you for

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

                                                                                             From, _____________________

Reference

Neimeyer, R. A. (2022) New techniques of Grief Therapy Bereavement and Beyond. Routledge. 

You can download this worksheet here.