Purpose 🎯

Normalize fluctuations in grief intensity and build tolerance for changing emotional states.

Let’s Talk About It 🗣️

Ask the client to describe a recent “wave” of grief.

Explore:

• “What happened before the grief wave started?”
• “What emotions, thoughts, or body sensations showed up?”
• “How intense did it feel at the peak?”
• “What helped you get through it?”
• “What might help next time?”

If the Conversation Gets Stuck 💡

Normalize that grief often comes in waves rather than following a predictable timeline. Invite the client to describe the experience using images, metaphors, or body sensations if words feel difficult.

Telehealth / Whiteboard Version 💻

Draw a wave shape on a shared screen. Label the beginning, peak, and settling points with triggers, emotions, body responses, thoughts, coping responses, and supports.

Why This Works 🌱

This activity helps clients understand that grief intensity can rise and fall. Identifying the pattern can reduce fear of emotional overwhelm and support more intentional coping.

Clinical Pearl 🧠

The goal is not to stop grief waves from occurring. Focus on helping the client tolerate, respond to, and recover from grief waves without excessive avoidance or self-judgment.

Documentation Language 📝

Client explored the pattern of grief waves, including triggers, emotional intensity, physiological responses, thoughts, and coping behaviors. Therapist supported normalization of fluctuating grief responses and development of adaptive coping strategies.

Clinical Focus: Grief Triggers, Emotional Regulation, Distress Tolerance