What is Disenfranchised Grief?

To mourn something we love, but lose, is part of our human nature and human experience. My approach is that loss, death and grief are part of life and not a pathology to be "treated", but can nevertheless result in extreme suffering requiring care and compassion. 

All societies have cultural norms around the way individuals grieve. Societies may define what is viewed as significant or insignificant losses. Some losses may not be culturally accepted  discussed or acknowledged because of social stigma. Disenfranchised grief is invisible grief or sorrow that is not socially recognized or validated and is often misunderstood.

Examples where I have supported individuals include:

-death of an online friend

-death of a pet

-loss of health

-eco-grief

-migratory grief

My companioning, and trauma-informed, approach is inspired by the 11 Tenets of Companioning the Bereaved by Dr A. Wolfelt. 

Note: It is important to be aware that the ramifications of unresolved, disenfranchised grief can be severe sometimes resulting in complicated grief, which may require specialist support from a mental health professional. Please refer to the disclaimer in footnotes.