DivorceA special form of grief

Divorce is the (messy) end of a primary relationship

Why this loss is different is not “normative.”Divorce is an “ambiguous” loss (they don’t take away

the body!)Divorce grief is not often publically supported (they

don’t bring casseroles or send cards)Guilt, regret, shame and anger can be present

(instead of seeking out others, the griever may hide)Acceptance may take longer (could we “get back

together again???)There are no traditional rituals for this loss (but the

psalms help!)The whole family grieves (but in different ways)

Ambiguity…

Lack of public support

Shame, guilt, anger complicate the grief. Feelings are “crazy.”

The new reality takes a while to accept

There is a legal and an emotional divorce—and they are not the same!

There are no traditional rituals

The whole family grieves…