ABSTRACT

In previous chapters we saw how non-judgemental attitudes of acceptance and empathic responding can offer an environment of relative safety where the often frightening feelings associated with loss can be understood, validated and contained. 'Contained' here means two things. First and foremost that the feelings find a place or container in which they can be safely held. A second meaning of containment here is that misconceptions, through lack of knowledge or information about the mourning process, are clarified and explained. Without clarification these misconceptions can cause a lot of fear. First we shall consider the 'container' as a safe place.