What Is Disenfranchised Grief?

Grief is a human experience that we often associate with the death of a friend or family member. Generally speaking, grief is a commonly misunderstood experience, especially in individualist Western cultures like the United States.

In fact, there are many forms of grief, but one particular form of grief that is often dismissed is disenfranchised grief.

What Is Disenfranchised Grief?

Disenfranchised grief follows an experience of loss that may not be widely recognized as a loss by one’s community, the greater culture, or is possibly stigmatized in some way. For some people, they may discount their own grief because they perceive it to be a small or possibly even “trivial” sort of loss. This is especially common for those who experience a non-death loss, change, or transition.

When Would Someone Experience Disenfranchised Grief?

Because disenfranchised grief may show up differently for each person, in response to a wide range of experiences, there’s no way to provide an all-inclusive list. However, here are some examples of life events that could trigger this type of grief:

  • Missing out on an opportunity, like a trip or attending a friend’s wedding

  • End of a friendship or a relationship—even if you consider it to be for the best

  • Moving to a new city and losing your sense of comfort and familiarity with people and places

  • The death of a pet OR someone who you’ve cut ties with for some reason

  • Having a child and experiencing a change in your previous routines

How to Support Yourself or Someone Else Experiencing Disenfranchised Grief

The grief experience can be complex and is often a subjective experience. One powerful step in supporting yourself or someone else through this type of loss is to create space to name what it is you’re grieving.

Make Space for Your Own Grief by…

  • Naming what it is you’ve lost

  • Allow yourself to feel the emotions without shame or guilt

  • Seek out a space where you can process—with a friend, a support group, or work with a therapist

  • Creating a ritual that honors your loss and grief experience

Support someone in their grief process by…

  • Be available and present—they may not want to talk about their grief, but someone’s space in the room may be comforting

  • Simply listen—you don’t need to say anything, just listening can be incredibly powerful

  • Support them through practical ways—run an errand for them, buy them a coffee or a meal, etc.

Work with a Grief Therapist in Los Angeles

Our team of holistic therapists is experienced in supporting clients through disenfranchised grief, life transitions, relationship losses, and more. We recognize that grief impacts individuals on many levels—in the realm of mind, body, and soul—and that your grief process is unique and personal. We’ll help you explore your grief, create meaning of your experience, and navigate ways to holistically heal and move forward with your evolving grief experience.

Schedule a call with our Care Coordinator to get connected today or submit a contact form to learn more about next steps.


Learn About Other Services at Highland Park Therapy

Wanting to work with a therapist in another area outside of grief and loss? Learn about our current group offerings or the other therapy services we provide to our clients right here.

Jenny Walters