Grief and loss
Grid for Tracking Secondary Losses Resulting from a Primary Loss
This grid helps a client identify and mourn the cascading losses (e.g.; friendships; identity) that.
When a client is grieving a major loss, their distress often seems to expand beyond the central bereavement itself. The primary event triggers a cascade of secondary losses, in social circles, routines, financial stability, or even identity, that can be difficult for the client to articulate. This leaves them with a tangled, overwhelming sense that everything has changed, without a clear picture of what “everything” includes.
This directive gives the client a structured method for isolating and naming these ancillary losses. By separating them from the primary grief, the work becomes more concrete and manageable. The client leaves with a tangible inventory of what they are mourning, allowing them to process each component with greater clarity and intention.
Grid for Tracking Secondary Losses Resulting from a Primary Loss
A major loss often creates a series of other losses. Use the grid below to track these.
First, name the primary loss you are grieving: _________________________
Then, fill in each column for any secondary losses that have resulted from it. Add to the grid over time as you notice them.
| Secondary Loss | How It Was Lost | What Its Absence Means |
|---|---|---|
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