ABSTRACT
Bereavement is a profound but common human experience. It usually refers to the loss of a loved one and it is linked to the experience of other deeply felt losses, for example old age, disability, trauma. There are numerous perspectives on the experience of being bereaved. The best- known model is that of Elisabeth Kubler-Ross who divides her framework into five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression and acceptance. Models are useful but their limitations must be understood, for example never make the person fit the model. Encouragement is needed to reach out in any way that can be managed. Anger directed towards oneself may manifest as guilt. Writing a letter to the person who has died can be one way of expressing negative emotions as they arise. The funeral service can provide a platform for people to review their beliefs and to turn or return to those they may once have held.
