O manejo terapêutico do processo de luto na perspectiva de jovens psicólogos atuantes na área clínica

Abstract

The clinical management of grief presents specific challenges for early-career psychologists. This study aimed to investigate the therapeutic management of the grieving process from the perspective of young clinical psychologists (22-29 years old, with up to 4 years of experience), exploring their practices, challenges, and strategies. This is a qualitative, descriptive study, with semi-structured interviews conducted with six participants in March 2025. Thematic Content Analysis (Moraes, 1999) supported the presentation of the results and a discussion articulated with literature and contextual data. The main findings and interpretations indicate an academic training perceived as insufficient regarding grief, requiring an active search for knowledge and contributing to initial insecurities; clinical practice marked by a broad understanding of grief (including non-fatal losses) and relational strategies (welcoming, listening, support); multifaceted challenges involving the intensity of the demand, the emotional impact on the psychotherapist, and sociocultural barriers (the taboo of death); and a perception of personal therapy and clinical supervision as indispensable supports for the ethical and technical sustainability of the practice. In the final considerations, a need to improve training in thanatology and strengthen support mechanisms for young psychologists is noted, considering the complex interaction between individual, formative, and contextual factors in the management of grief.