Cognitive Behavioral Treatments for Prolonged Grief: Introduction to the Special Feature

Abstract

Over the past two decades, researchers have devoted enormous effort to developing treatments for prolonged grief disorder that are rooted in cognitive behavioral principles. There is now considerable evidence that these treatments are effective in reducing prolonged grief disorder severity. In this article, we introduce and provide an overview of a special series of articles in Cognitive and Behavioral Practice whose aim is to introduce clinicians and clinical researchers to the treatment of prolonged grief. By bringing together recent empirical research with expert clinical guidance, this special issue provides (a) further support for the efficacy of cognitive behavioral treatments for prolonged grief, (b) valuable insight into how they can be most effectively delivered, and (c) consideration for how to ensure that all individuals impacted by prolonged grief disorder can access the most effective care possible. We close with a brief discussion of paths forward for the continued advancement of cognitive behavioral treatments for prolonged grief.