Grief is a journey through many emotions that can change from day to day, or even moment to moment. These twists and turns often feel jarring and disorientating—not unlike being on a roller coaster.
Our Grief Roller Coaster worksheet brings this metaphor to life, emphasizing the topsy-turvy, hold-on-for-your-life aspects of grief. The roller coaster illustration pays tribute to the messiness of grief, its refusal to be controlled, fixed, or rushed. This depiction of grief is arguably more relatable than the popular view that grief follows neatly defined stages.
Use this worksheet with individual clients or groups to encourage reflection on any loss they are grieving. Ask them to think about the twists and turns of their grief journey, using the illustration to validate that grief often isn’t tidy or predictable. Challenge clients to think about how their grief experience is similar to or different from the roller coaster metaphor, emphasizing that everyone’s grief journey is unique.
Some additional questions to ask:
- Which emotions are currently part of your grief?
- How are you responding to these emotions?
- In what ways are you fighting your grief? How can you let go of trying to control your experience?
For an art activity, ask clients to draw their own roller coaster that expresses their unique grief experience. Encourage them to label their drawing with the emotions and experiences that make up their grief journey. For groups, consider having clients share and explain their drawings.
