Which statement about dreams in grief therapy is TRUE?

• A. The grief therapist should tell the client the meaning of the dream
• B. It is not unusual for clients to have dreams of the deceased that occur around the anniversary of the death
• C. The deceased must appear in the dream for it to be relevant to mourning
• D. Dream fragments should not be considered in grief therapy

Answer: (B)

Dreams in grief therapy often signal ongoing processing of loss and attachment. It’s common for clients to dream of the deceased, and these dreams frequently occur around anniversaries of the death when emotions resurface. This pattern fits with the idea of continuing bonds, where dreams provide a space to reconnect with the person and work through unresolved feelings without needing the deceased to appear in every dream. The therapist’s job is to listen, validate, and explore what the dream evokes for the client, helping them derive personal meaning rather than imposing a fixed interpretation.

Telling the client what the dream “means” can limit their own exploration of what the dream signifies for them. The deceased doesn’t have to appear to be relevant to mourning, since themes or emotions in the dream can still reflect grief work. Dream fragments are not meaningless; they can reveal important feelings or concerns that deserve attention in therapy.