5 Stages of Death and Dying

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FIVE STAGES OF GRIEF

(adapted from Elizabeth Kubler-Ross)

5 STAGES                                                        Death and Dying                Healing a Memory

 

DENIAL I avoid facing the likelihood of my death.

I cannot face my mortality

I feel and act as though I am invincible.

 I don’t admit I either am or ever was hurt.

I don’t face the reality of my unrealized dreams and illusions.

I see things like I want to see them, and not as they are.
ANGER I blame others for letting death hurt and destroy me.

I am filled with resentment and can’t forgive.

 I blame others for hurting and destroying me.

Others are responsible for my pain. Anger and ‘shoulds’ are intrusive thoughts.
BARGAINING I set up conditions to be fulfilled before I’m ready to die.

If I do, then I can avoid reality and make things as I want to be.

 I set up conditions to be fulfilled before I’m ready to forgive myself and others.

If I act in a certain way, perhaps I can get others to change their minds and behaviors.

 
DEPRESSION I blame myself for letting death take over.

I failed in my life-I didn’t accomplish what I hoped.

I have regrets about how my life path progressed.

 I blame myself for letting hurt destroy me.

I failed and am powerless, helpless, despondent.

Hopelessness, regret, despondency are intrusive thoughts.

 
ACCEPTANCE I’m ready to die.

I’ve made peace with others and myself.

I have come to terms with my mortality.

 I look forward to growth from hurt and change.

I can accept and forgive myself and others.

I can let go of impossible dreams, illusions, & ‘shoulds’.

 
drkaren

I'm a transpersonal therapist and coach offering holistic coaching, neurofeedback and EMDR. Create positive changes in mind, body and spirit and move forward with fewer emotional side effects. Integrate cutting edge tools you can use to clear out old patterns, memories, and behaviors that no longer serve your higher needs, goals and aspirations. Neurofeedback works to improve mood, focus and difficult emotions. Your life will become easier, calmer and more rewarding.. I offer online therapy and I’m licensed in Arizona, Minnesota, & Washington.