A Narrative Approach to Work With Groups of Bereaved Family Members

Abstract

Families who have lost a member deal with an intense process of rebuilding their family dynamics and narratives. Losses during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted the lack of studies and intervention models for working with these families. In response to this, we developed an approach informed by narrative therapy practices. In this study, we aimed to understand the lived experience of 54 psychologists who facilitated support groups for bereaved family members. After each session, professional written reports were analyzed using reflexive thematic analysis. The findings highlighted the importance of a dialogical space to work with bereaved family members. Re-membering and re-authoring conversations were considered valuable approaches to work with families who have lost a member. This approach can inform clinical intervention supporting bereaved families in different contexts.