Client Case
Presenting Issues
The client reported overwhelming sadness, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty moving forward following the death of a close family member. Daily functioning was impacted by disrupted sleep, loss of motivation, and frequent tearfulness.
Background Information
The client is a 42-year-old parent and professional with no previous history of clinical depression. The bereavement occurred nine months prior to starting therapy, after which the client experienced persistent grief, social withdrawal, and a sense of guilt when trying to engage in enjoyable activities.
Assesment
A pattern of complicated grief was identified, characterised by cycles of intrusive memories, heightened emotional triggers, and difficulty adjusting to life without the loved one. The client reported feelings of isolation and pressure to “stay strong” for family, contributing to suppressed emotions.
Treatment Plan
Goals
- Provide a safe space for the client to process grief
- Reduce intensity of intrusive thoughts and emotional triggers
- Support healthier sleep patterns and daily functioning
- Rebuild confidence in moving forward while honouring the loved one’s memory
Intervention Strategies
- Guided hypnotherapy to process unresolved emotions and release guilt
- Relaxation and grounding techniques for sleep and stress management
- Positive reframing to balance grief with gratitude and acceptance
- Future-focused visualisation to support hope and new routines
Frequency and Duration
8 weekly sessions over 2 months, with reflective journaling and short audio recordings for use between sessions.
Results
Marked reduction in intrusive thoughts and emotional overwhelm
Improved sleep patterns and daily functioning
Increased ability to talk openly with family and friends about the loss
Reclaimed a sense of peace and possibility for the future
"I didn’t think I’d ever feel like myself again. The sessions gave me space to grieve but also helped me find calm and strength to carry on. I can remember my loved one with love, not just pain.”
Case Details
Symptoms Encountered
Persistent sadness, frequent crying spells, difficulty falling asleep, intrusive memories of the loss, racing thoughts at night, feelings of guilt and self-blame, loss of appetite, social withdrawal, irritability, difficulty concentrating, low energy, a sense of emptiness, lack of motivation, physical heaviness in the chest, and a fear that the grief would “never end.”