Practitioner perspectives on the use of acceptance and commitment therapy for bereavement support: a qualitative...

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Clinical Psychology
• Mental Health

Background:

• High demand for bereavement support exists, with mixed evidence on current interventions.
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) shows promise for various conditions but lacks specific evidence in bereavement.
• This study addresses the gap by exploring ACT's application and perceived benefits in bereavement support.

Purpose of the Study:

• To explore how Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is currently utilized for bereavement support.
• To understand practitioner perspectives on the mechanisms through which ACT aids individuals experiencing grief.
• To identify adaptations and key components of ACT in the context of bereavement.

Main Methods:

• Semi-structured interviews were conducted with practitioners experienced in using ACT for bereavement.
• Participants were recruited online via MS Teams.
• Thematic analysis guided by a framework approach was used for data analysis.

Main Results:

• Nine practitioners participated in the study.
• Three core themes emerged: creating psychological space for grief, using this space for value-directed action, and adapting ACT for bereavement.
• Practitioners reported ACT improved clients' relationship with distressing experiences, facilitated engagement in meaningful activities, and was flexibly adapted to individual needs.

Conclusions:

• ACT assists bereaved individuals in effectively managing grief-related thoughts and feelings.
• ACT enables reconnection with personal values and facilitates action aligned with those values post-loss.
• The therapy supports living effectively alongside grief, promoting well-being and a renewed sense of purpose.