Using Ambiguous Loss to Address Perceived Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic

Authors

Rosemary A. Leone, Department of Couple and Family Therapy, Division of Counseling and Family Therapy, Rueckert-Hartman College of Health Professions, Regis University, Thornton, COFollow

Abstract

The concepts of ambiguous loss and perceived control will be used to explore ways to embrace the unknown during COVID-19. By defining COVID-19 as an ambiguous loss, effective therapeutic interventions emerge that can guide clinicians in creating lasting change amidst widespread uncertainty. Four ambiguous loss interventions will be proposed to alleviate the distress of living in fearful semi-isolation for an unknown period of time. In paradoxically embracing uncertainty, clients can create new hope in the context of a global pandemic. New hope is the ideal outcome when coping with ambiguous loss. In literature on ambiguous loss, the concept of new hope has yet to be recognized as a form of second-order change.

Recommended Citation

Leone, Rosemary A. (2021) "Using Ambiguous Loss to Address Perceived Control During the COVID-19 Pandemic," Counseling and Family Therapy Scholarship Review: Vol. 3: Iss. 2, Article 4.
DOI: https://doi.org/10.53309/ZLPN6696
Available at: https://epublications.regis.edu/cftsr/vol3/iss2/4