Abstract
Aims: 1. To evaluate the clinical impact of the development of self-reflective functioning and hope through the therapy process in people bereaved by suicide. 2. To identify key concepts and themes that are associated with an increase and decrease in life functioning in those experiencing traumatic grief. Methods: The study utilised a mixed methods design employing data from both quantitative questionnaires and qualitative interviews. The quantitative aspect of the study employed a correlational within-groups design. The qualitative data was analysed using IPA. Eight clients bereaved by suicide and six therapist involved in supporting them were interviewed. The clients completed five psychometric inventories: CORE Outcome Measure, The Satisfaction with Life Scale, State Hope Scale, Trait Hope Scale, and The Self Reflection and Insight Scale. Results: A number of findings were evident in the data. There were moderate correlations between low scores on reflective functioning, and hope and life functioning. Several themes emerged from the interview data: * Observed distinction between trauma and grief. *Stuckness associated with a prohibition around grieving associated with guilt and anger. *Marked split between rational and maladaptive cognitions. * Reduced capacity to reflect and imagine in individuals stuck in traumatic grief process. *Therapeutic listening highly regarded by client articipants. Discussion: The research highlights the characteristics of the traumatic grief process and suggests aims and dimensions of therapy which are likely to be most effective in supporting those experiencing traumatic grief.