The Case of Sally and Mike Essay Example

the secondary victim, go through their own emotional crises in response to the situation. The primary victim faces difficulty accepting the loss while Mike also experiences his own crisis as each parent copes with it differently. As crisis workers, it is crucial for us to adhere to particular guidelines and procedures that address the impact of this crisis on others when supporting the primary victim.

Sally and Mike are going through the loss of their son, and to comprehend Sally's grieving process, we will examine it using Elizabeth Kubler Ross' proposed five stages of grief. These stages comprise denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance (Kenel, 2007). They provide a structure for dealing with and adapting to life without our loved ones, enabling us to perceive the world in a new way.

When counseling someone who is grieving, it is essential to recognize their stage in the grieving process and work together with them to enhance the effectiveness of the intervention. Implementing boundaries can offer stability, organization, and consistency. It is crucial to consider different factors that affect the impact of grief, such as the intensity of emotions experienced, the personal significance attributed to the loss, and how the individual perceives the long-term consequences stemming from this loss (Greeston and Leviton 1993 p. 5).

While Sally mourns and goes through the grieving process, it is important for us as crisis workers to allow her to openly express her guilt and other associated feelings towards the loss. We should approach her with care and without judgment, reassuring her that her emotions are normal. It is crucial to remember that everyone's grief experience is unique, including Mike's. He might be experiencing

a different reaction to the loss, potentially being stuck in the denial stage.

A crisis can bring up painful memories for anyone, forcing them to confront unresolved or previously thought resolved feelings. The toll it takes on an individual, particularly when it involves the death of a child, can be incredibly devastating. These emotional reactions can linger for years. As Ross reminds us, those experiencing grief may go through various stages, but it's important to remember that everyone's grieving process is unique.