ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the mental representations theory and how it differs from earlier models. Emphasis is given to how people form and maintain continuing bonds to the deceased. More specifically, this chapter focuses on how this approach understands the way people construct mental representations of people who’ve died and how those representations change over time. Mental representations are memories of the lost individual that can be recalled from explicit memory (aka memories we have access to). Primary and secondary control are also defined and discussed. The latter half of the chapter discusses the implications of recovery and addictions treatment. The author advocates the recognition of irreversible and permanent losses tied to addiction and acknowledgment of how those losses have changed routines and client perceptions about the world and themselves. Tips for counselors are included throughout.
