Dr. Wolfelt is often asked questions by those who attend our trainings on their way to earning their Death & Grief Studies Certificate. Over the next few months he’ll be answering some of those questions here.
Do you have a question for Dr. Wolfelt? Email us here!
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Question: Are what you term “griefburst” normal?
Oh yes, quite normal. Griefbursts (which some authors refer to as “grief attacks”) are sudden and often powerful bursts of emotion that seem to come out of nowhere. They typically take mourners by surprise. They may be going about their day, not thinking about the death at that moment, when something as simple as a smell, a sound, or a place brings the full force of their loss down upon them. Their grief “bursts” in on them. Because grief never discretely ends, griefbursts are great reminders that love never dies. While authentic mourning softens grief over time, grief will recapture our attention throughout our lifetimes. In addition to random sensory details, activators include nodal events such as the anniversary of the death, birthdays, graduations, weddings, births of babies, and other loss experiences.
Feel honored when the mourner chooses to recount a griefburst experience with you or even have one in your presence! Listen, learn, and support.
If you’re interested in learning more about companioning others in grief, please see Dr. Wolfelt’s book Counseling Skills for Companioning the Mourner and considering joining us for our Grief Companioning Skills Training.
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Dr. Alan Wolfelt has been recognized as one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counselors. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages. Founder of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado Dr. Wolfelt speaks on grief-related topics, offers trainings for caregivers, and has written many bestselling books and other resources on grief for both caregivers and grieving people. For more information visit www.centerforloss.com
