Enlisting the unconscious as an ally in grief therapy: the creative use of affirmations, metaphors, and guided...

This article explores the effective use of the unconscious as an ally in providing therapy to bereaved clients. The power of the unconscious, often an underutilized but potent resource, can be employed through the use of specialized communication techniques which incorporate the specific language of the unconscious. The following presents the therapeutic use of "embedded affirmations," metaphors, and guided visualizations, focused on harnessing the healing potential of the unconscious. Included is a step-by-step model for constructing a guided visualization which can be customized to meet the needs of both individual clients and groups.