The Grief Recovery Method: An Overview

What if I told you there is a plan that can help you help you move past the place of pain you are stuck in?

The Grief Recovery Method is the only evidence-based approach that provides structured tools for individuals to process and complete their grief. Developed by John W. James and Russell Friedman in the late 1980s, the method emerged out of personal loss and the recognition that traditional advice often left grievers feeling stuck.

This method moves beyond intellectual understanding and focuses on taking action to address the unresolved emotional pain that lingers after loss. Rather than encouraging people to “move on” in the sense of forgetting, it supports participants in moving forward with their lives while honoring their loss.

Core Principles of the Grief Recovery Method

• Loss is Unique: Each person's experience of loss is different, shaped by their relationship with what—or whom—they have lost.
• Unresolved Grief Accumulates: When grief is not expressed or processed, it can build up over time, impacting emotional and physical health.
• Action Is Key: While talking about loss can be helpful, the Grief Recovery Method emphasizes specific actions that lead to emotional completion.
• No Judgment of Feelings: All emotions are valid in the context of loss; there is no “correct” way to feel.
• Confidentiality and Safety: Participation happens in a confidential, supportive environment, which is essential for honest expression.