Medical Crisis and Loss Clinic: Novel Approach to Family Transitions

Abstract

Difficult transitions are often required for children and families following trauma, loss, or diagnosis of a chronic or life-threatening illness. In response to a perceived unmet community need, a medical crisis and loss clinic was established to address problems resulting from adaptation to change. This article describes the clinic, provides statistics concerning community use, and reflects qualitative findings from therapeutic experiences. Referral patterns suggest that most cases involve complicated grief due to developmental factors, family characteristics, or circumstances of the trauma, illness, or death. Flexibility of the clinic structure appears to increase the effectiveness of interventions and shortens the number of sessions required. From the therapists' perspectives, greater openness in communication is felt to be a critical element for the process of change. Recommendations for future research are provided.