When a family without support tries to make sense of confusing and disturbing events, they may further distance themselves from one another. During a period in which working together is important, family members can feel isolated as they grapple with what to say and what not to say to each other. Family secrets …show more content…
Introducing Elisabeth Kubler-Ross’s “Stages of Grief” (Kubler-Ross, 1969, pp. 37-49) can provide tools with which help to identify and communicate feelings. Kubler-Ross’ model of the stages of grief begins with Denial, Anger, Bargaining, Depression, and Acceptance, and can be applied to most circumstances involving loss (Torrey, 2016), such as divorce ( (Positive Parenting Court Educational Class, 2003), parental alienation and even familial abduction. Another model incorporated in psychoeducation regarding grief is The Four Phases of Grief model developed by the British psychologist and psychiatrist John Bowlby ( (Bowlby, 1961). Bowlby’s four phases of grief are: Shock & Numbness, Yearning & Searching, Despair and Disorganization, and Reorganization and Recovery. (Morrow, …show more content…
Parents, children and central caregivers are encouraged to see themselves as experts in their own recovery process. Families should understand the importance of their role in their own recovery and should be encouraged to participate in all appropriate aspects of treatment. In no way should a message be conveyed that the child or family is forever damaged. “Messages” presented to families are always important and should be conveyed with great care. Focusing on strengths and psychoeducation (e.g. coping strategies) to manage distress can help, and experiences of strength, mastery and power can compensate for the feelings of