The Truth Shall Set You Free: Saying an Honest “Goodbye” Before a Loved-one’s Death

Abstract

Many people suffer from anticipatory grief before the death of a loved one. This article is based on the Gestalt Therapy premise that it is necessary to have a contactful “hello” before one can have a genuine “goodbye”. It reviews some of the relevant literature, defines the premise of “unfinished business”, describes the therapeutic benefits of fantasy, and provides a case example using the “empty chair” method. The psychotherapy described in this article is about creating an opportunity for the expression of feelings, making interpersonal contact, and “truth telling” before the other person dies.