{"id":25557,"date":"2026-05-13T12:23:11","date_gmt":"2026-05-13T18:23:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/?p=25557"},"modified":"2026-05-20T12:30:21","modified_gmt":"2026-05-20T18:30:21","slug":"five-stages-of-grief-wrong","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/","title":{"rendered":"Getting Grief Right: Why the Five Stages Model Is Holding You Back"},"content":{"rendered":"\t\t<div data-elementor-type=\"wp-post\" data-elementor-id=\"25557\" class=\"elementor elementor-25557\" data-elementor-settings=\"[]\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-inner\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-section-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f7c2e7e elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f7c2e7e\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-5b30533\" data-id=\"5b30533\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-a9220c0 elementor-widget elementor-widget-text-editor\" data-id=\"a9220c0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"text-editor.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-text-editor elementor-clearfix\">\n\t\t\t\t<p>Grief is often explained through the five stages model: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Many people learn that these stages describe how loss unfolds. Yet real experiences of grief rarely follow a clear sequence. Emotions can return unexpectedly, shift over time, or appear in ways that do not fit neatly into defined stages. Because of this, many counselors and grief experts have begun questioning whether the model truly reflects how people move through loss.<\/p><p>At Sounds True, we share teachings that support emotional healing, mindfulness, and personal transformation. Since 1985, we have collaborated with respected teachers, psychologists, and spiritual leaders to bring meaningful conversations about growth and inner life to a global community. Our work is dedicated to helping people approach life\u2019s most challenging experiences with wisdom, compassion, and presence.<\/p><p>Here, we discuss why many experts believe the five stages of grief are often misunderstood, the myths that surround grieving, and what it means to approach loss in a more compassionate and realistic way.<\/p><h2><strong>Key Takeaways:<\/strong><\/h2><ul><li><strong>Rethinking Grief Models:<\/strong> The article explains why the five stages of grief are often misunderstood and why many experts now question the model.<\/li><li><strong>Understanding Grief Myths:<\/strong> It highlights common misconceptions about grieving and how these myths influence expectations around loss.<\/li><li><strong>Getting Grief Right:<\/strong> The article presents a more compassionate perspective that encourages individuals to honor their own grieving process.<\/li><\/ul><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-25439\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Discover-the-Hidden-Power-of-Daily-Meditation.png\" alt=\"Discover the Hidden Power of Daily Meditation\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Discover-the-Hidden-Power-of-Daily-Meditation.png 1920w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Discover-the-Hidden-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Discover-the-Hidden-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Discover-the-Hidden-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Discover-the-Hidden-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Discover-the-Hidden-Power-of-Daily-Meditation-800x450.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/p><h2><strong>The Five Stages of Grief Wrong: Understanding the Problem<\/strong><\/h2><p>Many people learn that grief follows five stages: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Over time, this model has become one of the most common ways people try to understand loss.<\/p><p>Yet real grief rarely follows a clear sequence. Emotions shift, repeat, and appear in unexpected ways. Some people feel sadness immediately, while others move through numbness, reflection, or even moments of calm before deeper feelings arise.<\/p><p>The issue is not the emotions themselves. The problem is the belief that grief must unfold in a fixed order. The model was originally created to describe the experiences of people facing terminal illness, but it later became widely applied to bereavement.<\/p><p>Because of this, many people feel pressure to grieve in the \u201cright\u201d way. In truth, grief is deeply personal and rarely follows a predictable path.<\/p><h2><strong>How the Five Stages of Grief Became One of the Most Common Grief Myths<\/strong><\/h2><p>The five stages model has shaped how many people think about grief. Over the years, it moved beyond its original context and became a widely accepted explanation for loss. Because it appears in books, media, and everyday conversations, many assume it reflects how grief actually unfolds. This widespread acceptance is one reason the model has become one of the most persistent grief myths.<\/p><h3><strong>The Original Context of the Five Stages Model<\/strong><\/h3><p>The five stages were introduced by psychiatrist Elisabeth K\u00fcbler-Ross in her work with people who were facing terminal illness. Her observations described emotional responses to the reality of dying. Over time, the model was adapted and applied to people grieving the death of a loved one.<\/p><p>Although the stages captured important emotional experiences, they were never meant to describe a strict order or a universal process.<\/p><h3><strong>How the Model Turned Into a Grief Myth<\/strong><\/h3><p>As the idea spread, the stages began to be treated as a predictable roadmap for grief. Many people came to believe that healthy grieving meant moving through each stage until reaching acceptance.<\/p><p>This interpretation simplified a complex human experience. In reality, grief does not follow a neat progression. Treating the stages as a fixed path can create unrealistic expectations and reinforce one of the most common grief myths about how healing should look.<\/p><h2><strong>Grief Stages Debunked: Why Grief Does Not Follow a Fixed Path<\/strong><\/h2><p>Grief is often described through the lens of stages, suggesting that people move through loss step by step. Yet many who have lived through grief recognize that their experience does not follow a clear sequence. Instead of progressing in a straight line, grief often moves in ways that feel unpredictable and deeply personal.<\/p><h3><strong>Grief Moves in Waves, Not Stages<\/strong><\/h3><p>Emotions connected to loss tend to come and go. A memory, a place, or a simple moment of reflection can bring feelings to the surface long after the loss occurred. At other times, a person may feel calm or even joyful before grief rises again.<\/p><p>These shifting experiences show why grief stages debunked conversations are becoming more common. Rather than moving through fixed stages, many people experience grief as waves that rise, soften, and return over time.<\/p><h3><strong>Each Person\u2019s Grief Has Its Own Rhythm<\/strong><\/h3><p>No two people grieve in exactly the same way. Some people express their emotions openly, while others process loss more quietly. Cultural background, personality, and the nature of the relationship all shape how grief unfolds.<\/p><p>Recognizing this helps release the pressure to follow a specific pattern. When grief is understood as a personal process rather than a set of stages, people are more able to meet their experience with patience and compassion.<\/p><h2><strong>Getting Grief Right Instead of Following the Five Stages Model<\/strong><\/h2><p>Letting go of the five stages model can create space for a more compassionate understanding of grief. Instead of trying to follow emotional steps, people can allow their experience to unfold naturally.<\/p><h3><strong>Allowing Grief to Be Personal<\/strong><\/h3><p>Each experience of loss is different. Personal history, relationships, and circumstances shape how grief appears, which is why no single path works for everyone.<\/p><h3><strong>Replacing Structure With Compassion<\/strong><\/h3><p>Rather than focusing on stages or timelines, a more supportive approach centers on patience and self-compassion. Healing becomes less about progress and more about allowing emotions to be felt honestly.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-25448\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-with-Guided-Practices-by-Sounds-True.png\" alt=\"Awaken Your Inner Healing Power with Guided Practices by Sounds True\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-with-Guided-Practices-by-Sounds-True.png 1920w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-with-Guided-Practices-by-Sounds-True-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-with-Guided-Practices-by-Sounds-True-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-with-Guided-Practices-by-Sounds-True-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-with-Guided-Practices-by-Sounds-True-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Awaken-Your-Inner-Healing-Power-with-Guided-Practices-by-Sounds-True-800x450.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/p><h2><strong>Patrick O&#8217;Malley on Getting Grief Right and Letting Grief Be Personal<\/strong><\/h2><p>In conversations about loss, therapist Patrick O&#8217;Malley often challenges the idea that grief should follow a predictable path. His work focuses on helping people release expectations and approach grief with greater honesty and self-compassion.<\/p><h3><strong>Key Insights From Patrick O&#8217;Malley<\/strong><\/h3><ul><li>Grief does not follow a checklist of emotional stages. Each person\u2019s experience unfolds differently.<\/li><li>Attempts to organize grief into steps can make people feel as if they are grieving incorrectly.<\/li><li>Real healing begins when people allow themselves to feel whatever arises, without judgment.<\/li><li>Grief often includes a mix of emotions, including sadness, relief, confusion, love, and even moments of peace.<\/li><li>The goal is not to \u201cfinish\u201d grieving but to learn how to live with the reality of loss.<\/li><\/ul><p>These perspectives help shift the conversation away from rigid grief myths and toward a more compassionate understanding of loss. By letting grief be personal rather than structured, people often find space for healing that feels genuine and supportive.<\/p><h2><strong>Grief Myths That Keep People Stuck in the Five Stages Model<\/strong><\/h2><p>Many people hold onto the five stages model because it creates a sense of order during a painful time. The idea that grief follows clear steps can feel reassuring.<\/p><p>However, this belief often becomes a common grief myth. In reality, grief rarely follows a predictable structure. People may revisit emotions, skip others, or experience feelings outside the traditional stages.<\/p><p>When these expectations take hold, individuals may question their own process. Letting go of the stages allows grief to be understood as a deeply personal experience rather than a sequence to complete.<\/p><h2><strong>Grief Stages Debunked: What Real Grieving Often Looks Like<\/strong><\/h2><p>When grief stages are debunked, a clearer picture of loss often emerges. Grief is fluid and unpredictable. Some moments bring deep sadness, while others hold reflection, memories, or brief relief.<\/p><p>People may revisit the same feelings many times, especially during anniversaries or reminders of the loss. At other times, grief quietly sits in the background as daily life continues.<\/p><p>Recognizing this natural movement encourages patience. Instead of trying to move through stages, people can allow emotions to rise and settle in their own time, creating space for a more compassionate understanding of healing.<\/p><h2><strong>Getting Grief Right by Moving Beyond the Five Stages of Grief<\/strong><\/h2><p>Moving beyond the five stages model encourages a more compassionate view of grief. Rather than progressing through emotional steps, people can approach their experience with patience and honesty.<\/p><p>Getting grief right means recognizing that healing looks different for everyone. When the pressure to follow stages fades, grief can unfold naturally, making space for memory, love, and personal growth.<\/p><p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.soundstrue.com\/collections\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone size-full wp-image-25412\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learn-How-your-Mind-Really-Works-with-Sounds-True.png\" alt=\"Learn How your Mind Really Works with Sounds True\" width=\"1920\" height=\"1080\" srcset=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learn-How-your-Mind-Really-Works-with-Sounds-True.png 1920w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learn-How-your-Mind-Really-Works-with-Sounds-True-300x169.png 300w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learn-How-your-Mind-Really-Works-with-Sounds-True-1024x576.png 1024w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learn-How-your-Mind-Really-Works-with-Sounds-True-768x432.png 768w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learn-How-your-Mind-Really-Works-with-Sounds-True-1536x864.png 1536w, https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Learn-How-your-Mind-Really-Works-with-Sounds-True-800x450.png 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1920px) 100vw, 1920px\" \/><\/a><\/p><h2><strong>Final Thoughts<\/strong><\/h2><p>Grief is far more complex than any single model can explain. While the five stages framework introduced helpful language for certain emotions, it cannot capture the full reality of how people experience loss.<\/p><p>Getting grief right begins with letting go of rigid expectations and allowing the process to unfold naturally. When grief is approached with patience, compassion, and honesty, people often find a path forward that feels more supportive and true to their own experience.<\/p><h2><strong>Frequently Asked Questions About the Five Stages of Grief Wrong<\/strong><\/h2><h3><strong>Why do many experts say the five stages of grief are wrong?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Many experts believe the model becomes misleading when it is treated as a universal formula. Grief research shows that emotional responses to loss vary widely, making it difficult for a single sequence of stages to represent everyone\u2019s experience.<\/p><h3><strong>Can the five stages of grief still be helpful for some people?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Yes. Some individuals find comfort in having language for common emotional reactions. The stages can provide a starting point for discussion, as long as they are not treated as rules that everyone must follow.<\/p><h3><strong>What are some alternative ways psychologists understand grief today?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Modern grief research often focuses on ideas such as continuing bonds, meaning-making, and the dual process model. These perspectives recognize that people move between confronting loss and adjusting to daily life in different ways.<\/p><h3><strong>Who first challenged the five stages model in grief research?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Over the years, many grief counselors, psychologists, and researchers have questioned the model\u2019s limitations. Their work emphasizes that grief is influenced by personality, culture, relationships, and life circumstances.<\/p><h3><strong>How can people support someone who is grieving without relying on stages?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Support often comes through listening, offering presence, and respecting the individual\u2019s pace. Allowing space for emotions without trying to label or fix them can be more helpful than applying a framework.<\/p><h3><strong>Why do grief myths continue to spread in popular culture?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Grief myths often spread because they simplify a complex experience. Media, films, and everyday conversations tend to favor clear explanations, even when real emotional processes are far more nuanced.<\/p><h3><strong>Does culture influence how grief is experienced?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Yes. Cultural traditions shape how people express emotion, honor loved ones, and process loss. In some cultures, grief is openly expressed, while in others it is experienced more privately.<\/p><h3><strong>Is it normal to feel positive emotions while grieving?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Yes. People may experience gratitude, love, or even moments of joy while grieving. These feelings do not diminish the loss. They often reflect the ongoing relationship and memories connected to the person who died.<\/p><h3><strong>How long does grief typically last?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Grief does not have a fixed timeline. Some feelings soften over time, but many people continue to carry a sense of connection or longing for years. This is a natural part of living with loss.<\/p><h3><strong>Why are conversations about grief evolving today?<\/strong><\/h3><p>Greater awareness of mental health and emotional well-being has encouraged more open discussions about grief. As research and lived experiences are shared, outdated grief myths are being reconsidered.<\/p>\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-fbf9e6f elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"fbf9e6f\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-3804c85\" data-id=\"3804c85\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-61188d5 elementor-widget-divider--view-line elementor-widget elementor-widget-divider\" data-id=\"61188d5\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"divider.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-divider\">\n\t\t\t<span class=\"elementor-divider-separator\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/span>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-f9151ba elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"f9151ba\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-89ec855\" data-id=\"89ec855\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-71685d0 elementor-position-left elementor-vertical-align-top elementor-widget elementor-widget-image-box\" data-id=\"71685d0\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"image-box.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-image-box-wrapper\"><figure class=\"elementor-image-box-img\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"898\" height=\"1306\" src=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/05\/Amy-Michelle-Photo.png\" class=\"attachment-full size-full\" alt=\"\" \/><\/figure><div class=\"elementor-image-box-content\"><p class=\"elementor-image-box-description\"><b>Michelle Cassandra Johnson<\/b> is an author, activist, spiritual teacher, racial equity consultant, and intuitive healer. She is the author of six books, including <i>Skill in Action<\/i> and <i>Finding Refuge<\/i>. <b>Amy Burtaine<\/b> is a leadership coach and racial equity trainer. With Robin DiAngelo, she is the coauthor of <i>The Facilitator's Guide for White Affinity Groups<\/i>. For more, visit <a href=\"https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive\" target=_blank\">https:\/\/www.michellecjohnson.com\/wisdom-of-the-hive<\/a>.<\/p><\/div><\/div>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t<section class=\"elementor-section elementor-top-section elementor-element elementor-element-6f9afa6 elementor-section-boxed elementor-section-height-default elementor-section-height-default\" data-id=\"6f9afa6\" data-element_type=\"section\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-container elementor-column-gap-default\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-row\">\n\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column elementor-col-100 elementor-top-column elementor-element elementor-element-d86bded\" data-id=\"d86bded\" data-element_type=\"column\">\n\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-column-wrap elementor-element-populated\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-wrap\">\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-element elementor-element-fd6acfc elementor-widget elementor-widget-html\" data-id=\"fd6acfc\" data-element_type=\"widget\" data-widget_type=\"html.default\">\n\t\t\t\t<div class=\"elementor-widget-container\">\n\t\t\t<script>\r\ndocument.addEventListener(\"DOMContentLoaded\", function() {\r\ndocument.querySelectorAll('.progression-studios-blog-excerpt')\r\n.forEach(el => el.remove());\r\n});\r\n<\/script>\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/section>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Grief is often explained through the five stages model: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Many people learn that these stages describe how loss unfolds. Yet real experiences of grief rarely follow a clear sequence. Emotions can return unexpectedly, shift over time, or appear in ways that do not fit neatly into defined stages. Because [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":31,"featured_media":25558,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_expiration-date-status":"","_expiration-date":0,"_expiration-date-type":"","_expiration-date-categories":[],"_expiration-date-options":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[392,385],"tags":[],"contributor":[1157,1156],"class_list":["post-25557","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-health-and-healing","category-psychology","contributor-amy-burtaine","contributor-michelle-cassandra-johnson","slider-tags-blog"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v26.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Why the Five Stages of Grief Are Wrong<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Why the five stages of grief wrongfully shape how we view loss. Sounds True shares insights on grief myths and a more compassionate way of getting grief right.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"noindex, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Why the Five Stages of Grief Are Wrong\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Why the five stages of grief wrongfully shape how we view loss. Sounds True shares insights on grief myths and a more compassionate way of getting grief right.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Sounds True\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-05-13T18:23:11+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-05-20T18:30:21+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:image\" content=\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light-1024x576.png\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:width\" content=\"1024\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:height\" content=\"576\" \/>\n\t<meta property=\"og:image:type\" content=\"image\/png\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"ops@qckbot.com\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"ops@qckbot.com\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"10 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\/\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"ops@qckbot.com\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d6687c7716fd6f3938859e683657371d\"},\"headline\":\"Getting Grief Right: Why the Five Stages Model Is Holding You Back\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-13T18:23:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-20T18:30:21+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/\"},\"wordCount\":1947,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#organization\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png\",\"articleSection\":[\"Health &amp; Healing\",\"Psychology\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/\",\"name\":\"Why the Five Stages of Grief Are Wrong\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#website\"},\"primaryImageOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage\"},\"thumbnailUrl\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-05-13T18:23:11+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-05-20T18:30:21+00:00\",\"description\":\"Why the five stages of grief wrongfully shape how we view loss. Sounds True shares insights on grief myths and a more compassionate way of getting grief right.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png\",\"width\":1920,\"height\":1080,\"caption\":\"Person sitting by a window reflecting quietly in warm natural light\"},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Getting Grief Right: Why the Five Stages Model Is Holding You Back\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/\",\"name\":\"Sounds True\",\"description\":\"\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Sounds True\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/soundstrue-logo-footer-color.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/soundstrue-logo-footer-color.png\",\"width\":1035,\"height\":235,\"caption\":\"Sounds True\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/\"}},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d6687c7716fd6f3938859e683657371d\",\"name\":\"ops@qckbot.com\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/\",\"url\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a750433cf291833c4838872a876bb9188b37eb3d9d40a6c94c764336363c548b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a750433cf291833c4838872a876bb9188b37eb3d9d40a6c94c764336363c548b?s=96&d=mm&r=g\",\"caption\":\"ops@qckbot.com\"},\"url\":\"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/author\/opsqckbot-com\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Why the Five Stages of Grief Are Wrong","description":"Why the five stages of grief wrongfully shape how we view loss. Sounds True shares insights on grief myths and a more compassionate way of getting grief right.","robots":{"index":"noindex","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Why the Five Stages of Grief Are Wrong","og_description":"Why the five stages of grief wrongfully shape how we view loss. Sounds True shares insights on grief myths and a more compassionate way of getting grief right.","og_url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/","og_site_name":"Sounds True","article_published_time":"2026-05-13T18:23:11+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-05-20T18:30:21+00:00","og_image":[{"width":1024,"height":576,"url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light-1024x576.png","type":"image\/png"}],"author":"ops@qckbot.com","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"ops@qckbot.com","Est. reading time":"10 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/"},"author":{"name":"ops@qckbot.com","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d6687c7716fd6f3938859e683657371d"},"headline":"Getting Grief Right: Why the Five Stages Model Is Holding You Back","datePublished":"2026-05-13T18:23:11+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-20T18:30:21+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/"},"wordCount":1947,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#organization"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png","articleSection":["Health &amp; Healing","Psychology"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/","url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/","name":"Why the Five Stages of Grief Are Wrong","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#website"},"primaryImageOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage"},"thumbnailUrl":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png","datePublished":"2026-05-13T18:23:11+00:00","dateModified":"2026-05-20T18:30:21+00:00","description":"Why the five stages of grief wrongfully shape how we view loss. Sounds True shares insights on grief myths and a more compassionate way of getting grief right.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/"]}]},{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#primaryimage","url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/05\/Person-sitting-by-a-window-reflecting-quietly-in-warm-natural-light.png","width":1920,"height":1080,"caption":"Person sitting by a window reflecting quietly in warm natural light"},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/five-stages-of-grief-wrong\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Getting Grief Right: Why the Five Stages Model Is Holding You Back"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#website","url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/","name":"Sounds True","description":"","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#organization","name":"Sounds True","url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/soundstrue-logo-footer-color.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/08\/soundstrue-logo-footer-color.png","width":1035,"height":235,"caption":"Sounds True"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"}},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/person\/d6687c7716fd6f3938859e683657371d","name":"ops@qckbot.com","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/#\/schema\/person\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a750433cf291833c4838872a876bb9188b37eb3d9d40a6c94c764336363c548b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","contentUrl":"https:\/\/secure.gravatar.com\/avatar\/a750433cf291833c4838872a876bb9188b37eb3d9d40a6c94c764336363c548b?s=96&d=mm&r=g","caption":"ops@qckbot.com"},"url":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/blog\/author\/opsqckbot-com\/"}]}},"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25557","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/31"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=25557"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25557\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":25562,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/25557\/revisions\/25562"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/25558"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=25557"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=25557"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=25557"},{"taxonomy":"contributor","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/resources2.soundstrue.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/contributor?post=25557"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}