Grief Journal Prompts
A grief journaling worksheet with eight gentle prompts covering current feelings, unsaid words, memories, hard moments, learning, connection, needs and small comforts.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Expressive writing
- Approach / concern
- Grief & Bereavement
- Technique
- Expressive writing
- 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 Grief Journal Prompts?
Grief journaling uses written prompts to help bereaved people express emotions, preserve memories and make meaning. It can be used independently or between counselling sessions.
Why it works
Expressive writing can support emotional processing (Pennebaker, 1997), and creative writing techniques are widely used in grief therapy (Neimeyer, 2012).
When to use it
- Bereavement and loss
- Between grief counselling sessions
- Anniversaries and difficult days
- Non-death losses
How to use it in session
- Choose one prompt at a time.
- Write freely without editing.
- Take breaks if emotions are strong.
- Share in session if helpful.
- Return to prompts over time.
Clinician tips
- Some days writing will feel helpful, others not; both are okay.
- Combine with self-care after writing.
- Watch for prolonged or complicated grief.
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
How often should I journal about grief?
Whatever feels helpful: daily, weekly, or just on hard days.
What if writing makes me feel worse?
Take a break, use a grounding skill, and consider talking with a counsellor.
References
Pennebaker, J. W. (1997). Writing about emotional experiences as a therapeutic process. Psychological Science, 8(3), 162-166.
Neimeyer, R. A. (Ed.). (2012). Techniques of grief therapy: Creative practices for counseling the bereaved. Routledge.
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.
