Margaret Baier and Ruth Buechsel use a case study to explain how a pinball machine metaphor can benefit someone who is struggling to accept the death of a loved one

Much of the literature on grief describes a non-linear process and suggests variation according to individual psychodynamics that may prevent those who are grieving from normalising their personal experience. Because normalisation is an important part of coping, a model to describe the possible experiences of bereaved individuals may be helpful.

This article presents a model that explains the grief process, along with a case study to illustrate its application and ability to help bereaved individuals cope with loss. Professionals may be able to adapt this model to help people who have experienced other significant losses, such as separation and divorce.