A systems approach to loss

Abstract

Following the death of a family member, the mourners' experiences of grief are inevitably influenced by and, in turn, influence the experiences of their relatives. Therapy should apply a model which takes this interactive process into account. A systems approach can fulfil this requirement in certain cases. Three case histories are provided to illustrate the potential effectiveness of a systems-oriented intervention. The questions still remain as to when the model is optimally applied, and whether it has a role in preventive psychiatry. © 1991, The Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Psychiatrists. All rights reserved.