The Grace of Grief

Abstract

This hermeneutic dissertation examines clinical and theoretical materials from depth psychology, psychology, sociology, anthropology, religion, and literature to understand the role of literal and symbolic death among key thinkers in depth psychology, Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and James Hillman. Beginning with the Freud—Jung separation, then moving into the postmodern era with the arrival of James Hillman’s archetypal psychology, it explores the collective wound which informed the development of linear models to address grief, as well as minimal education and sparse clinical training on the intricate facets of grief. Although the experience of grief and the manner in which one grieves may be unique to the individual, they are influenced by relational, cultural, and spiritual beliefs. Technological advances have increased exposure to global incidences of death and grief, but this has not led to a reduction in denial and avoidance: they remain prominent Western defenses. Therefore, paradigm shifts that include new approaches to grieving which honor the individual and collective soul, inter-disciplinary dialogue, and an ongoing relationship with the dead are essential to humanity and our well-being.