Oscillation in Grief As A New Therapeutic Approach
For decades, the « stages of grief » model by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross has been the prevailing framework to understand how people cope with loss. This model’s linear structure, however, often limits our grasp of the complex, non-linear experience of grief. Enter the oscillation model—a progressive approach that acknowledges the fluid nature of grief, helping individuals balance the sorrow of loss with moments of respite. This blog explores the oscillation model, detailing its relevance and applications in grief therapy, providing a more personalized and adaptable framework to support those in mourning.
Definition and Theoretical Foundations of the Oscillation Model
The oscillation concept stems from the Dual Process Model (DPM), developed by researchers Margaret Stroebe and Henk Schut. The model categorizes grief into two primary dimensions:
- Loss-Oriented Focus: This phase involves confronting the loss directly, facing intense emotions such as sadness, anger, and despair. By re-experiencing memories, individuals gradually acknowledge and process the reality of their loss.
- Restoration-Oriented Focus: Here, the focus shifts to rebuilding life in the absence of the loved one. It involves creating new routines, engaging in activities that provide distraction, and fostering social connections, which help momentarily distance the individual from the weight of grief.
Rather than following a strict path, the oscillation model allows individuals to alternate between these two states, offering « emotional breaks » to alleviate overwhelming sorrow.
Key Benefits of Oscillation in Grief Therapy
- A Flexible and Personalized Approach
Therapists utilizing the oscillation model encourage a fluid movement between confronting and avoiding the pain of loss. This flexibility fosters a more natural healing journey, where the bereaved can progress at their own pace, reducing the risk of feeling pressured to “move on.” - Emotional Protection
Oscillation allows for periodic avoidance, providing psychological protection against prolonged exposure to grief. This cyclical approach prevents the brain from becoming overwhelmed, offering needed respite through distraction and everyday responsibilities. - Enhanced Resilience and Real-Life Integration
Oscillation promotes resilience by normalizing recurring feelings of sadness or denial, even after a significant time has passed. By accepting that grief is ongoing, individuals can gradually adapt to life without their loved one, integrating the loss as part of their lived experience.
Comparison with the Stages of Grief Model
The stages of grief offer validation for the emotions one experiences but imply a linear progression towards acceptance. In contrast, oscillation sees grief as a potentially unending process, where the presence of the loved one lingers, even if in a more subdued form over time. This perspective removes societal pressures to reach a point of « closure, » allowing individuals to honor their grief without a finite endpoint.
Family and Social Implications of the Oscillation Model
Grief often differs in intensity and form among family members, leading to possible friction when individuals grieve in opposing ways. For instance, one may find solace in remembrance activities, while another may need distance from reminders of the loss. By embracing oscillation, families can acknowledge these variations, fostering mutual understanding and collective healing during challenging times.
Practical Application: Managing Day-to-Day Obligations Through Oscillation
Beyond emotional coping, oscillation provides a practical framework for managing the daily responsibilities that accompany loss, such as administrative tasks. These often taxing duties can act as temporary reprieves from grief, helping individuals focus on tangible actions and providing moments of mental relief.
Therapeutic Approaches and Techniques
The oscillation model enriches grief therapy by integrating strategies that alternate between engagement and distraction. Techniques such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) are effective in identifying thought patterns that may cause excessive focus on either grief or avoidance, helping individuals find a balanced emotional state. This approach encourages patients to respect their need for both introspection and engagement with life.
Embracing a Modern Approach to Grieving
The oscillation model offers an adaptive and inclusive approach to understanding grief, empowering individuals to balance their memories with their need to live in the present. By validating the natural fluctuations of emotion, it respects the deeply personal journey of grief and allows for a serene adaptation over time. This approach equips individuals to integrate their loss within the framework of daily life, honoring their loved one while finding space for healing.
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