The Four Tasks of Mourning
A grief counselling worksheet based on Worden's four tasks of mourning, with reflective prompts for each task and space to identify where support is needed.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Grief counselling
- Approach / concern
- Grief & Bereavement
- Technique
- Grief counselling
- Format
- Fillable PDF, 1 page (US Letter / A4)
- Access
- Pro and Advanced plans (3-day free trial)
- For
- Licensed clinicians to use with clients
- Updated
- October 2026
Key facts
What is the The Four Tasks of Mourning?
J. William Worden’s task model of mourning describes four tasks: accepting the reality of the loss, processing the pain of grief, adjusting to a world without the deceased (externally, internally and spiritually) and finding an enduring connection while embarking on a new life.
Why it works
Worden’s model is widely used in grief counselling because it frames mourning as active and flexible rather than a fixed sequence of stages, and it guides assessment and intervention (Worden, 2018).
When to use it
- Bereavement counselling
- Assessing where a client is in grief
- Prolonged or complicated grief
- Grief groups
How to use it in session
- Explain the tasks as flexible, not linear.
- Reflect on each task at the client’s pace.
- Identify tasks that feel stuck.
- Plan support for that task.
- Revisit over time.
Clinician tips
- Cultural mourning practices may support particular tasks.
- Avoidance of pain (task 2) is common; go gently.
- Continuing bonds (task 4) is healthy for many people.
Worked example
Sharing with clients
Members can download the PDF to print or email, or copy a private client link from the download box. Your client opens the link and downloads the worksheet on any device. No client account is needed, and nothing your client writes is stored on TherapyAid.
Frequently asked questions
Are the four tasks the same as the stages of grief?
No. Worden’s tasks are active and can be revisited in any order, unlike fixed stage models.
How long does it take to complete the tasks?
There’s no set timeline. Many people revisit tasks over years, especially at milestones.
References
Worden, J. W. (2018). Grief counseling and grief therapy: A handbook for the mental health practitioner (5th ed.). Springer Publishing.
This worksheet is an educational tool for use by, or under the guidance of, a licensed or registered mental-health professional. It is not a diagnostic instrument or a substitute for clinical judgement. If a client is in crisis in Canada, call or text 9-8-8 or call 9-1-1.
