The purpose of this systematic review was to
explore the relationship between grief and loss counseling and the beneficial
effects it has on mental health. By analyzing a variety of different studies
and peer-reviewed journal articles that targeted bereavement topics, it
revealed how grief and loss counseling is beneficial depending on the person
and type of grief that has developed. Key findings include how grief impacts an
individual emotionally, physically, and spiritually which reflects how the
overall well-being of a person is. It is also noted how psychological wellness
may impact physiological wellness. Another key finding was how complicated
grief therapy is one of the most successful grief and loss counseling practices
to help bereaved individuals, but other interventions were also found
successful. Those other interventions consisted of emotionally focused therapy,
compassion-focused therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal therapy,
standard psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, bibliotherapy, and snow
globe therapy. There are more interventions to help people than listed, but the
paper specifically addressed those. However, future research needs to be
completed to gain further understanding of grief and loss and how to help
bereaved individuals obtain care that fits their desired needs. It is essential
to take note of how everyone processes grief at their own pace which also
explains why certain interventions may not be successful for every grieving
individual. It is also significant to acknowledge when people can find benefit
through the loss, it helps the individual move through the process of grieving
which highlights the meaningful influence of finding a purpose for the pain.
