The Canvas of Grief and Loss: Painting A Way for Mental Vitality

The purpose of this systematic review was to explore the relationship between grief and loss counseling and the beneficial effects it has on mental health. By analyzing a variety of different studies and peer-reviewed journal articles that targeted bereavement topics, it revealed how grief and loss counseling is beneficial depending on the person and type of grief that has developed. Key findings include how grief impacts an individual emotionally, physically, and spiritually which reflects how the overall well-being of a person is. It is also noted how psychological wellness may impact physiological wellness. Another key finding was how complicated grief therapy is one of the most successful grief and loss counseling practices to help bereaved individuals, but other interventions were also found successful. Those other interventions consisted of emotionally focused therapy, compassion-focused therapy, family-focused therapy, interpersonal therapy, standard psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, bibliotherapy, and snow globe therapy. There are more interventions to help people than listed, but the paper specifically addressed those. However, future research needs to be completed to gain further understanding of grief and loss and how to help bereaved individuals obtain care that fits their desired needs. It is essential to take note of how everyone processes grief at their own pace which also explains why certain interventions may not be successful for every grieving individual. It is also significant to acknowledge when people can find benefit through the loss, it helps the individual move through the process of grieving which highlights the meaningful influence of finding a purpose for the pain.