Theories Of The Grieving Process

In discussing theories of grief it should be noted that a theory, in and of itself, is a technique used to map out, explain and understand an event or process. Most individuals experience grief in a subjective manner depending upon events surrounding the death, support, spirituality, personality and unique situation of their own life (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2014). However, most will experience similar attitudes and feelings with the many aspects of the grieving process. I like the way Worden approaches the grief process in that it seems natural and humanistic. Worden views the individual experiencing grief and loss as participating in an active and engaged process and not merely stages one must pass through (Jackson-Cherry & Erford, 2014). He indicates that while trying to construct a sense of homeostatic balance individuals will take part in four tasks of mourning (Lista, 2013). The tasks are listed in a particular order although individuals may proceed through them in any random order according to Jackson-Cherry and Erford (2014). Additionally, they indicate one may find themselves frequenting or working through one or more of the tasks more than once and may experience a more cyclical progression of grief. Worden leads me to visualize grief as a dynamic and ongoing process rather than a static or one time event. Jackson-Cherry & Erford (2014) say the first task, after the initial impact of a loss, comes in the form of acknowledgment that a loved is gone and is not going to return. The second task revolves around allowing one’s self to experience all the emotions they will encounter. Worden suggests, according to

Jackson-Cherry & Erford (2014), it is best to see the painful emotions for what they are without pushing them aside. The third task is the process one will go through to become comfortable within their lifestyle, environment, home and existence without the loved one’s presence. The task that seems most encouraging and hopeful is task four. It seems to be empowering to know that after the loss of a loved one, we can get to a point in which we can become comfortable again with our own lives and still keep our connection with the one we lost according to Jackson-Cherry & Erford (2014).
2. If you are doing crisis intervention counseling at a natural disaster site, what are some ethical and legal considerations you should keep in mind?
Usually there are protocols in place for responding to a natural disaster site as a member of a team. The configuration of a plan or action helps to establish guidelines, structure and order within a chaotic event. Jackson-Cherry & Erford (2014) suggest for counselors to be well-trained and prepared to respond to a disaster in addition to taking care to maintain the same legal, ethical and confidential magnitude that would be considered paramount to a one-on-one counseling session. A counselor should have experienced additional education specifically for crisis counseling, be cognizant of their own health when responding to crises and have support from peers for frank dialogue and discussion according to Jackson-Cherry & Erford (2014). In responding to a crisis situation due to natural disaster the counselor will first attempt to bring stability to the situation they say. A HIPPA document may not always be attainable and should not impede the emergency care as long as counselors are acting in the best interest of the individual state Jackson-Cherry & Erford (2014). That being said documentation is necessary of all client contact they state. Consequently, counselors should employ skills that will immediately keep individuals safe, allow them their feelings and emotions, meeting their urgent needs while maintain confidentiality in order to reduce the risk of developing a more long lasting psychological issue (Shallcross, 2012).

References
Jackson-Cherry, L.

R. & Erford, B. T. (2014). Crisis assessment, intervention, and prevention
(2nd ed.). Boston, MA: Pearson.
Lista (2013, June 24). Worden’s four tasks of mourning. Retrieved from
https://whatsyourgrief.com/wordens-four-tasks-of-mourning/
Shallcross, L. (2012). A calming presence. Counseling Today, 54(8),

28-39.