Degree
Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
Department
Social Work
Document Type
Dissertation
Abstract
This study explored grief, growth, religion, spirituality, and therapeutic rituals from the
perspectives of clinicians and therapists. Specifically, this study explored ways that therapeutic rituals can promote growth and healing. The research explored ways that therapeutic rituals may impede growth and healing, how religion and spirituality can promote growth and healing, as well as how religion and spirituality may impede growth and healing. The research also
explored ways that clinicians and therapists incorporate religion and spirituality into therapy to promote growth and healing. The research data was collected from therapists and clinicians who specialize in treating grief and loss (n=18). The therapists and clinicians were required: (1) good standing with the professional board; (2) mental health or clinical expertise; (3) one year of
experience in grief services; and (4) empathy for bereaved individuals. This study offered
various implications for practice, policy, and future research. Regarding practice, this research offers implications for therapeutic grief rituals. The study found clinicians and therapists should focus on implementing therapeutic rituals in a meaningful, personalized, and culturally sensitive way when it is appropriate or requested. Also, clinicians and therapists should ground their therapeutic rituals with evidence-based practices and therapies. Additionally, the study offered practice implications for addressing spirituality and socioreligious matters among bereaved individuals. Additionally, the study advised clinicians and therapists to refer bereaved clients to qualified religious leaders to address spiritual and socioreligious needs that are beyond the clinicians' scope of practice and expertise.
Date
11-1-2024
Recommended Citation
Nicks, Nia, "A QUALITATIVE EXAMINATION OF GRIEF, MOURNING, AND BEREAVEMENT AMONG GRIEF-BASED MENTAL HEALTH PROVIDERS" (2024). LSU Doctoral Dissertations. 6650.
https://repository.lsu.edu/gradschool_dissertations/6650
Committee Chair
Cassandra Chaney