The loss of an adult sibling is a deeply personal and often overlooked grief experience, leaving many adult surviving siblings feeling disenfranchised in their mourning. The first half of this module will explore the unique nature of adult sibling loss and how the back story and shared narrative of this special relationship is impacted by death. Additionally, Zampitella will examine how familial, cultural, and spiritual expectations influence the grieving process, sometimes supporting, but also perhaps interfering, with the surviving sibling’s ability to reestablish equilibrium and integrate the loss into their life narrative. Greater awareness of these dynamics can support the research and treatment that survivors so essentially crave in those cases when the survivor seeks the guidance and support from professionals in the field of thanatology.
The second half of this module will explore strategies for navigating the challenges of disenfranchisement through a case study and an arts-based approach. Brooks will introduce an approach inspired by art historical research on the rückenfigur, a compositional technique in which a figure is depicted from behind. Rückenfigur compositions are known for fostering contemplation, offering perspective, and encouraging empathy. Brooks has adapted this compositional technique to the realm of bereavement support. She will share her experience of creating a back-facing portrait of her deceased sister, before guiding learners in the creation of their own rückenfigur compositions. Through hands-on art-making, participants will explore how and why this approach can be particularly meaningful for those struggling to access or process the complexities of their relationship with the deceased – especially in cases of traumatic, complicated, or painful sibling relationships.
Through a combination of personal storytelling, research insights, a case study, and an experiential arts-based exercise in this session, learners will explore how reconstructing the back story of sibling relationships can facilitate meaning-making and grief integration. Overall, this module will provide learners with tools to support bereaved siblings in navigating disenfranchised grief while fostering self-reflection and connection through expressive techniques.
