The Lost-Ness of Loss: A Reappraisal of Loss

Abstract

lite article explores the proposition that loss Is a central, but neglected and taken-for-granteet, concept within occupational therapy. A reappraisal of loss was stimulated by a module entitled 'Loss and lifethreatening conditions' In the South Trent tn-Servlce Diploma Course In OCcupational Therapy. The student-negotlateet curriculum Is described. The evaluations highlighted the personal value and professional relevance of the concept of loss. These were conftrmed during a staff development workshop for 37 experienced and expert therapists at Nottingham City Hospital. A framework that combines loss, mastery, mystery and occupation Is offered as a professional model with practical Implications. Encouragement Is provided to r&evaluate and perhaps rediscover the pivotal place of loss within occupational therapy.

Exploring Transitions: Working in "the Space Between the no Longer and the Not Yet"

“…These are works that I was exposed to in my formative years. Paradoxically there seems to be a tendency for Western societies to minimize and in some instances deny the experience of grief (Worden, 1983, andIlot, 1996). This tendency to minimize and deny grief runs deep.…”

“…Nurse writer Costello (1995) in her review of a number of loss and grief theories such as Kübler-Ross (1970); Parkes (1972); and Worden (1983) suggested it was important that nurses did not adopt a linear approach to loss and grief as may be implied by the framing of these theories as phases and stages. Ilot (1996) offered an occupational therapy perspective discussing the importance of selfawareness and experiential learning, specifically about loss and grief. These were seen by Ilot as being essential for occupational therapists to gain an understanding of the loss and grief processes of the people that they are working with, which could also apply to nursing.…”