Adolescent bereavement and systemic denial of death: political implications of psychotherapy

Abstract

Dominant discourses around grieving processes describe a progression that is time-limited. Others challenge this conception suggesting that grieving processes evolve and are ongoing. Some people subscribe to cutting ties with the deceased and moving on, while others encourage continuing attachments with the deceased for solace. This paper explores the case of a 14-year-old boy hospitalized for suicidal ideation. In the past four years both his father and grandfather have died and his brother has moved away to college. The denial of death culture in the hospital is explored. Traditional psychoanalytic/developmental models are discussed and how they can distort understanding of the adolescent grieving process. Political implications of psychotherapy including alternative approaches to practice are discussed.

Keywords:

• adolescent bereavement
• death
• dying
• intersubjectivity theory
• relational psychoanalytic theory