When Grief Feels Stuck: Prolonged Grief
A psychoeducation handout describing prolonged grief, how it differs from typical grief, common signs after a year or more, and space for reflection and support needs.
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 When Grief Feels Stuck: Prolonged Grief?
Prolonged grief disorder involves persistent, intense grief causing significant impairment beyond expected cultural norms. It’s recognized in ICD-11 and DSM-5-TR and responds to targeted treatment.
Why it works
Prigerson et al. (2009) validated criteria for prolonged grief disorder. Shear (2015) describes complicated grief and its treatment.
When to use it
- Grief lasting more than a year with impairment
- Traumatic or sudden losses
- Grief assessment
- Family education
How to use it in session
- Normalize typical grief.
- Describe prolonged grief signs.
- Reflect on own experience.
- Assess properly.
- Discuss treatment.
Clinician tips
- Avoid pathologizing normal grief.
- Consider cultural norms.
- Screen for depression, PTSD and suicide risk.
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 long is grief supposed to last?
There’s no set time; prolonged grief refers to grief that stays very intense and disruptive for a long time.
Can prolonged grief be treated?
Yes. Grief-focused therapies have good evidence.
References
Prigerson, H. G., Horowitz, M. J., Jacobs, S. C., Parkes, C. M., Aslan, M., Goodkin, K., et al. (2009). Prolonged grief disorder: Psychometric validation of criteria proposed for DSM-V and ICD-11. PLoS Medicine, 6(8), e1000121.
Shear, M. K. (2015). Complicated grief. New England Journal of Medicine, 372(2), 153-160.
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.
