Grief can be defined as sorrow, distress, hurt, sadness and suffering and is usually due to a loss. Grief and the bereavement process are inevitable in every person’s life and are usually experienced as an intense cycle of emotions coloured by feelings such as sadness, anger, denial, guilt and acceptance. Grieving is a time of reflection, despair, pain, readjustment and re-involvement. The grieving process takes time, but when a patient becomes stuck in grief – therapeutic intervention is needed.

The workshop explores the formulation of a definition of Delayed Grief and the causes thereof. The identification of patients suffering from delayed grief will be highlighted. The indications and contra-indications of the use of Guided Imagery and visualization as approach to the treatment of Delayed Grief will be discussed. Case studies as well as the practical application of Guided Imagery will be used in the presentation of the workshop. Practical guidelines for the application of the method will be given.