ABSTRACT
Nonfinite losses are loss experiences that are non-death in origin and that continue as an ongoing presence in an individual’s life with no foreseeable end in sight. The grief that accompanies these losses is chronic sorrow, differing from grief after a finite loss by its continuing nature as the ongoing grief that accompanies a loss that is also ongoing in nature. The hallmark of nonfinite loss and chronic sorrow for individuals who experience them, and those who care for these individuals, is anxiety and exhaustion on top of the ongoing grief that is present. Compassion training, with its focus on the intention to relieve suffering but not necessarily upon specific outcomes, may help provide clinicians with a sustainable approach to support people with these types of chronic, ongoing grief.
