An Experiential Approach to Complicated Grief After Sudden Death of Parental Figure

Objectives: With this case report, I sought to investigate the possible application of three narrative therapy techniques to complicated grief caused by sudden death of a parental figure.Methods: Client took part in a 6-week trial that consisted of three narrative therapy exercises: the epitaph; poetry of loss; and unsent letters. Each phase spanned two weeks and included a 45-minute Monday in-office session and a 30-minute Friday phone session. Client was encouraged to continue work on each exercise between sessions. Client’s healing progress was measured using the Inventory of Complicated Grief (ICG) at intake and after each phase.Results: Client showed significant improvement in CG symptoms after each phase.Conclusions: My findings suggest that the narrative therapy technique trio of the epitaph, poetry of loss, and unsent letters may significantly reduce symptoms associated with diagnosed complicated grief caused by sudden death of a parental figure.