Grief Comes in Waves
A client handout explaining grief as waves, oscillation between facing loss and restoration, normal grief experiences and personal coping.
1-page fillable PDF · US Letter (prints on A4) · Psychoeducation
- Approach / concern
- Grief & Bereavement
- Technique
- Psychoeducation
- 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 Comes in Waves?
Contemporary bereavement research describes grief as non-linear. The dual process model proposes healthy oscillation between loss-oriented and restoration-oriented coping.
Why it works
Stroebe and Schut (1999) proposed the dual process model of coping with bereavement. Research on resilience shows many bereaved people experience waves of sadness alongside positive emotions (Bonanno, 2009).
When to use it
- Recent or ongoing bereavement
- Clients worried they’re grieving ‘wrong’
- Grief groups
- Family education
How to use it in session
- Normalize waves and non-linearity.
- Explain oscillation.
- Identify personal grief experiences.
- Plan for waves and reminders.
- Check for complicated grief.
Clinician tips
- Avoid stage-based expectations.
- Validate guilt about moments of joy.
- Screen for prolonged grief disorder when indicated.
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 five stages of grief real?
Many people don’t experience grief in stages; waves and back-and-forth are more common.
Is it wrong to laugh while grieving?
No. Moments of laughter and relief are a normal part of grief.
References
Stroebe, M., & Schut, H. (1999). The dual process model of coping with bereavement: Rationale and description. Death Studies, 23(3), 197-224.
Bonanno, G. A. (2009). The other side of sadness: What the new science of bereavement tells us about life after loss. Basic Books.
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.
