Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary

Introduction to Pastoral Counseling (PC1)

S.Y. 2020-21

Module 13: Grief and Bereavement, Death, and Suicide

A. Define grief;
Grief is the body’s response to some type of loss. Involves
both physical and physiological elements. Also involves
behavior. Example: People in grief are emotionally depressed,
angry, argumentative, short-tempered, they may show some
aggression. Grief can include guilt.

B. Describe five tasks of this grief process;

Grief is a journey, a process. Learning to deal with a loss.

5 ELEMENTS OF GRIEF
1. Shock/Denial – when you become aware of the
loss.
2. Expressing Grief – Opportunity to Express Your
Feelings that are painful – being able to talk about
the grief is important—it is an important phase. Do
not be judgmental. As counselor you have to be
listening.
3. Put Your Life Back Together/Learn to Adjust –
Learn to function again.
4. When the Person Can Put their Loss in their
wider understanding (in terms of their faith) –
This is where we can see multiple points of view of
theology—God’s will or not. Try to avoid giving
phrases.
5. When you then can reach out to other people
who are grieving – Take out your loss and minister
to other people.

C. Describe general ideas for helping people dealing with

imminent death;
Imminent Death - Nearing death

 Provide a warming care and community (Hospice)

 Help them with unfinished tasks
 Work with them in the grief process that they will
come into peace
 Try to create a system of faith that provides trust
and meaning for them
 Help them to die with dignity
D. Identify Kubler Ross’ Five Stages of Grief over impending
death; (DABDA)

1. DENIAL – “this can’t be true”; A defense mechanism. It

allows you to have time to move on.
2. ANGRY – your anger is often targeted to people close to
you, both physically and emotionally; also anger with God.
3. BARGAINING – they make promises. “If you can let me
see my child graduate.” Make delay or make peace
4. DEPRESSION – The weight of what is happening is real to
them.
5. ACCEPTANCE

E. Identify common myths of suicide:

i. Listen to people
ii. Talking about suicide. Suicide is a choice.

F. Describe risk factors with suicide;

1. Prior attempt
2. Liquor and drugs
3. Alone
4. Psychosis – break with reality

G. Describe phases in suicidal intent; (ideation)

1. Life has lost its meaning. Death is more
2. Planning of suicide
3. Attempt
4. Verbal agreement
5. Refer them to any facility that could provide assistance to
them
6. Have to have a network

H. Describe four intervention strategies;

1. Listen to what they feel. Let me say what they want to talk
about. Deal with their fixation on death. Use Reflective
Responses. Let them know that they know your pain.
2. Provide a sense of hope.
3. Make sure that the person is not alone. Make appropriate
referrals.
I. Describe ministry to survivors.
Members of the family and friends who are left-behind. People
who survive feel guilt. Hindsight is easier with foresight.
MAKE THEM PROMISE

Program for suicide survivors. Support group. Training session with people how
to cope with depression.

Invite professionals in the field to talk about Mental Health.