Mapping Grief: An Active Approach to Grief Resolution

This article describes a clinical tool, the Grief Map, that is designed to assist those who are grieving death and non-death losses. The map provides a constructive multidimensional framework for dealing with the phenomena of the grieving process and for rebuilding life following major loss. The method of developing the map and its various uses as an assessment, educational, and therapeutic tool are detailed with illustrative case examples. The underlying precepts on which the map is based and its correlates with current theory and research are discussed. The limitations of the map and issues for further research are discussed.