Boss 's recommendations for most effective therapeutic approach to ambiguous loss are constructed by a primary family-systems framework, with strong psych education to help re-frame. She also coins a dialectical approach for ambiguous loss that will help the client learn to “tolerate the tension of the ambiguity and cognitive coping strategies” (2006).
Boss promoted, when beginning work with clients, that therapists establish the structure of the “psychological family”. In her conceptualization, the psychological family extends beyond the physical presence of a family member. “As those who practice clinical work recognizes, there are grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other extended family member in the room during a therapy session, as the client reveals the psychological presence of those who have impacted their life and their way of being in the world.” Boss (2006) theorized that there are key assumptions linking the concept of a psychological family to ambiguous loss. First is that in cases of physical presence, but emotional loss, as from brain injury or alcoholism, the stress on the family system can be greater due to the tendency to “deny the affliction and expect the person to think/act/behave as they did before.” Perversely, when there is loss of physical presence loved ones can be kept “psychologically present.” Boss asserted that …show more content…
The work of mental health counselors is to seek out the best, most effective means of helping our clients cope. In the current political, social, and economic climate we see increased mental illness, alcoholism, and issues of returning soldiers, all cases where there is a risk of ambiguous loss for the remaining family members. The topic of ambiguous loss is particularly timely and may become increasingly pervasive. Research into best practices now will potentially lay the groundwork for a more effective
Boss promoted, when beginning work with clients, that therapists establish the structure of the “psychological family”. In her conceptualization, the psychological family extends beyond the physical presence of a family member. “As those who practice clinical work recognizes, there are grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, and other extended family member in the room during a therapy session, as the client reveals the psychological presence of those who have impacted their life and their way of being in the world.” Boss (2006) theorized that there are key assumptions linking the concept of a psychological family to ambiguous loss. First is that in cases of physical presence, but emotional loss, as from brain injury or alcoholism, the stress on the family system can be greater due to the tendency to “deny the affliction and expect the person to think/act/behave as they did before.” Perversely, when there is loss of physical presence loved ones can be kept “psychologically present.” Boss asserted that …show more content…
The work of mental health counselors is to seek out the best, most effective means of helping our clients cope. In the current political, social, and economic climate we see increased mental illness, alcoholism, and issues of returning soldiers, all cases where there is a risk of ambiguous loss for the remaining family members. The topic of ambiguous loss is particularly timely and may become increasingly pervasive. Research into best practices now will potentially lay the groundwork for a more effective