Year: 1989 Source: Canadian Journal of Psychiatry, v.34, no.4, (May 1989). p.271-278 SIEC No: 19890729

Besides losses occasioned by bereavement, life & normal dev. include many other kinds of losses. Failure to adequately mourn for these losses can result in psychopathology or psychosomatic illness. Psych lit. supports the idea that mourning & grief in therapy act to heal. Given that there might be a biological basis for this healing, therapists might actively encourage indentification of losses & their adequate mourning. Methods are discussed; 2 case reports & research suggestions are given.