Phases involved in Grief

Although there are many theories about the emotional path grief takes most grief therapists agree about the general phases involved.

Denial:  “This can’t be happening to me.”

Anger:  “Why is this happening?  Who is to blame?”

Bargaining:  “Make this not happen, and in return I will____.”

Depression:   “I’m too sad to do anything.”

Acceptance:  “I’m at peace with what happened.”

Keep in mind these phases don’t have to take a set order.  Grieving can be very much like a roller coaster full of ups, downs, highs and lows.