Feeling like a Motherless Child: A Support Group Model for Adults Grieving the Death of a Parent

Abstract

This article presents a rationale and model for a time-limited bereavement support group for adults who are grieving the death of their parent(s) as an adult. The model is based on assumptions about the particular needs and issues of this population, and about the grieving process in general. The screening process and structure of group sessions are described, and the sequence of seven group themes are presented. Finally, some of the clinical impressions of the authors are offered, so that other professionals can use the model as a starting point for designing similar groups for the same population.