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Professional Help Decision Tree

Assess whether the person you're supporting needs professional grief therapy.

Week 10
Appendix J

Assessment

How long since the death? Has the pain softened at all?
Can they function (work, eat, sleep, maintain hygiene)?
Have they expressed any desire to die or 'join' the deceased?
Are they avoiding ALL reminders, or just some?
Does the grief seem 'stuck' — no movement, no oscillation?

Action Plan

Based on the above, do I think professional help is needed?
How and when will I have this conversation?
What logistics can I help with (finding therapist, making call, driving)?
© 2026 Linda Curran, BCPC, LPC, CAADC, CCDPD | Good Grief, Complicated Grief & Traumatic Grief