Anticipatory loss: transformation of a bond with a close one in a situation of incurable illness
Abstract
A paper describes the possibility of clinical work with families and couples in a situation of one spouse’s incurable illness. There are references to bond theory and the anticipatory loss in order to describe phenomena that are characteristic to family interactions in this particular period of family life. Four examples of families were depicted who came to consultation in a situation of incurable illness of one member of the family paying attention to key aspects of therapeutic work in the context of anticipatory grief. Clinical experiences that were described indicate that family openness to talk about relationships and unresolved matters in a situation of advanced illness can give an opportunity for experiencing close emotional bond before the patient’s death. Family consultations in a situation of advanced illness support transforming of the bond into experiencing it in psychological and spiritual categories.
Keywords: terminal illnessfamily therapyanticipatory griefanticipatory mourningbond theory.
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