Question
What unique techniques does Brian D Smith use to help individuals honor invisible losses?
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honoringinvisible lossescompassionmental health
Answer
From Brian D Smith0 votes
Invisible losses are those moments of exclusion, disappointment, or quiet rejection that do not “qualify” as grief in our culture, but still hurt and shape identity. To honor them, several approaches are used.
- Naming and normalizing: Inviting people to call these experiences “loss” and “grief,” not just “being sensitive” or “overreacting.”
- Story mining: Gently exploring “moments of impact” (like being uninvited, shamed, or overlooked) that still carry an emotional charge.
- Journaling and tracking: Writing down invisible losses as they arise, then revisiting weekly to notice patterns around belonging, worth, and voice.
- Parts language: Using ideas like Christina Rasmussen’s Survivor, Watcher, and Thriver to see which part took over in those moments, and which part is needed now.
- Micro-rituals: Simple practices (a short written goodbye, lighting a candle, or a brief meditation) to consciously acknowledge and release these hurts instead of minimizing them.
- GEMS framework overlay: Bringing Gratitude, Exercise/Sleep, Mindfulness, and Self-care to these “small” griefs so they receive the same care as major losses.
Is there a particular invisible loss of your own you would like help honoring in a concrete way?
