Protocol for excessive grief

This protocol is to be used when there is a high level of suffering, self-denigration, and lack of remediation over time concerning the loss of a loved one. EMDR does not eliminate healthy appropriate emotions, including grief. It allows clients to mourn with a greater sense of inner peace. The protocol is similar to the Standard EMDR Protocol for trauma. The goal of this work is to have your client accept the loss and think back on aspects of life with the loved one with a wide range of feelings, including an appreciation for the positive experiences they shared. Francine Shapiro often brings up the issue: How long does one have to grieve? She asks us to not place our limitations on our clients as this would be antithetical to the notion of the ecological validity of the client's self-healing process. For example, a woman who believed that the death of her infant son was her fault despite her doing everything she could to prevent it, worked with EMDR soon after his death. "I can feel him in my heart. I am grateful for the time we had together. He's in a better place." Her work with EMDR did not take away her grieving but allowed her to accept the loss and to have a full range of feelings about her son. This chapter is a summary of the Excessive Grief Protocol (Shapiro, 2001, 2006). When there is excessive grief, target the following: past memories, present triggers, and a future template. The Excessive Grief Protocol Script is provided.

Book Section

English

Marilyn Luber
Francine Shapiro

Luber, M., & Shapiro, F. (2009). Protocol for excessive grief. In M. Luber (Ed.), Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) scripted protocols: Basics and special situations (pp. 175-187). New York, NY: Springer Publishing Co