The Virtual Dream: Rewriting Stories of Loss and Grief

Abstract

In this article, the authors introduce the virtual dream, a technique that entails writing a brief spontaneous dreamlike story on themes of loss, using a flexible set of assigned elements of setting and characterization to scaffold the writing. After providing several examples of virtual dreams written by workshop participants, the authors analyze the frequency of important narrative features in a diverse sample of 143 stories to demonstrate the feasibility and reliability of coding such accounts for clinical or research purposes. Finally, we conclude with some remarks on the therapeutic use of the virtual dream, whether as a prompt for personal reflection on themes of loss, as an exercise in the context of grief workshops or support groups, or as a homework assignment in grief counseling or therapy.

Meaning Reconstruction in the Wake of Loss: Evolution of a Research Program

“…Similarly, later sessions facilitate reconstruction of the attachment bond with the loved one in modules devoted to imaginal letter writing to and from the deceased (Neimeyer, 2012a) and the exploration of their life imprint on the vocation, lifestyle, and values of the group members (Neimeyer, 2010). Closing sessions use symbolic virtual dream stories (Neimeyer, Torres, & Smith, 2011) and group rituals (Doka, 2012) to validate the work done and project into a hopeful future. Sessions make use of a recurrent structure featuring dyadic interaction among members, followed by whole group processing to promote high levels of empathy and engagement, as well as homework of both a reflective and action-oriented character.…”

Bereaved relatives’ experiences in relation to post mortem: a qualitative exploration in North East Scotland

“…In some cases this reflects a lack of oral or written information, the perceived quality of relationship with the person requesting authorisation, and also the intensity of the loss and feelings of grief. However, for others placing more importance in the story, it was important to have something to tell other family members and friends about how the relative died and for them the post mortem became a key element (Neimeyer et al, 2011).…”

Meaning Making in Wartime Bereavement: Lessons Learned From Bereaved Parents and Siblings

“…Acknowledgement of the profound ways in which sudden death disrupts the very fabric of our lives requires consideration before discussing renegotiation of self and identity. The literature has well established the multifaceted, biopsychosocial and spiritual or existential implications of being suddenly bereaved (Doka, 1996;Figley, 1996Figley, , 1999Neimeyer et al, 2011;Pivnik, 2011;Rando, 1984Rando, , 1993Redmond, 1996;Steffen & Coyle, 2011;Stroebe Hanson, Schut, & Stroebe, 2008;Worden, 2009). There has also been agreement among authors that sudden or traumatic deaths place the bereaved in a crisis of meaning (Neimeyer et al, 2011) and potentiate a prolonged course of grieving (Anderson, 2010;Ginzburg et al, 2002;Neimeyer et al, 2011;Pivnik, 2011;Rando, 1985).…”