Pathological grief or prolonged grief is a type of grief response characterized by unusually intense and prolonged intensity, as well as the individual's inability to adapt to the loss in a healthy way. Working with complicated grief from a psychological perspective is a more specialized process and often requires a more intensive therapeutic approach. Here is a guide on how to approach complicated grief:

1. Thorough assessment. Begin with a comprehensive assessment that will help identify if the person is experiencing complicated grief and what their specific needs are.
2. Establishment of clear goals. Collaborate with the client to establish clear and realistic therapeutic goals that address the specific complications related to complicated grief.
3. Specialized therapy. Complicated grief therapy often involves specialized therapy, such as grief-focused cognitive-behavioral therapy, exposure therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, or cognitive processing therapy.
4. Addressing underlying traumas. If the loss is related to an underlying trauma, such as a violent death or accident, it is important to address these traumas in the therapeutic process.
5. Work on emotional regulation. Help the individual develop emotional regulation skills to cope with the intense emotions that often accompany complicated grief.
6. Exploration of potential psychiatric complications. Complicated grief is sometimes associated with psychiatric complications, such as major depression or post-traumatic stress disorder. A therapist should assess and, if necessary, treat these complications.
7. Continued support and follow-up: Provide ongoing support and follow-up throughout the therapeutic process, as complicated grief can be a long and challenging process.
8. Education and psychoeducation. Educate the individual and their loved ones about complicated grief, its symptoms, and coping strategies.
9. Relapse prevention. Work on strategies to prevent relapse and develop a long-term coping plan.
10. Family support and safety net. Involve loved ones in the therapeutic process and encourage the formation of a strong support network.

It is important to note that complicated grief is a process that varies from person to person, and the duration and intensity may be different for each individual. The support of a mental health professional with experience in complicated grief is essential in helping the person overcome this challenge and find a path to recovery.

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