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Counselling In Loss

COUNSELLING IN LOSS ASSESSMENT TASK 1 ESSAY When individuals experience a loss an array of emotions overwhelm them that it may become extremely difficult to cope. The way a person grieves is a personal experience. According to Lifeline Information Services website, www.lifelineorg.au, states that, “No two people experience grief in the same way. It is affected by many factors such as the nature of the loss, the person’s pasthistory, their cultural or spiritual beliefs, and their personality. There is no right or wrong way to experience grief” (pg 1) Acknowledging these factors, I will aim to examine attachment theory perspectives of John Bowlby, Mary Ainsworth and Mary Main then discuss how the personal experience of children who grieve the sudden loss of a parent may be more chaotic than suggested, paying particular attention to issues of separation and resilience. At the forefront of attachment theory perspectives was prominent British Psychologist named John Bowlby. (Stroebe, 2002) He theorised that early attachment between parent and child highly contributes to intimate companionship (Sigelman & Rider,2006). Infants begin to form affectional ties to others that are close to them. This is considered a major part of their social and emotional development. When a young child seeks closeness to a certain individual and feels secure when they are around, they are said to be “attached” to that person. Until around 6 to 7 months of age, infants appear to be indiscriminate in forming relationships until they develop specific attachments. They begin to direct attachment behaviours towards one (or occasionally more) particular individual (usually the primary caregiver, e.g.mother). When this has occurred, the infant will then use their attachment figure as a safe base when confronted with strange or anxiety providing situations. (Sigelman & Rider, 2006) Bowlby conducted research on behalf of the World Health Organisation (WHO) by examining the effects of early...