David Kessler, the individual in question.
In a groundbreaking development, renowned grief expert David Kessler has identified a sixth stage of grief, which he calls Finding Meaning. This stage is about making sense of the loss and discovering a way to honour the memory and legacy of the person who died [2][4].
David Kessler, who has spent over a decade working in a three-hospital system, is no stranger to grief. He is the founder of grief.com, a website that receives over five million visits yearly and focuses on providing resources for those experiencing grief [1]. Visitors to this site come from 167 countries, demonstrating its global impact [3].
Kessler's work emphasizes that grief is highly individual and not necessarily linear. The traditional five stages (denial, anger, bargaining, depression, acceptance) were never intended as a strict sequence but as common responses to loss [1][4]. Finding Meaning, according to Kessler, can involve creating legacy projects, sharing stories, engaging in acts of kindness, or celebrating the life of the deceased.
Grief must be witnessed and shared to be healed, and participating actively in life after loss is a conscious choice. Kessler teaches extensively on trauma, grief, and end-of-life care, training healthcare professionals, first responders, and counselors in how to support people facing death and bereavement. He underscores the concept of continuing bonds—the ongoing relationship with those who have died—which challenges the notion that grief involves letting go [4].
Kessler's personal experiences have deeply influenced his work. He has witnessed traumatic events, such as a mass shooting while his mother was dying in a hospital, and the sudden death of his twenty-one-year-old son [6]. These experiences inspired him to write his newest book, Finding Meaning: The Sixth Stage of Grief, which offers practical and compassionate ways to live with loss, trauma, and the end of life while honouring those who have passed [2][4][5].
In addition to his work, Kessler has coauthored several books with Elisabeth Kubler Ross, including On Grief and Grieving. He has also served on the Red Cross's disaster services team and volunteers as an LAPD Specialist Reserve for traumatic events [1]. Kessler's extensive knowledge on grief, loss, and trauma has been honed over a career that includes service in a medical setting and specialized training in handling traumatic events and disasters [7].
In conclusion, David Kessler's contributions deepen the understanding of grief by adding Finding Meaning as a crucial stage. His work provides practical and compassionate ways to live with loss, trauma, and the end of life while honouring those who have passed [2][4][5]. His website, grief.com, stands as a testament to his commitment to helping those in grief find meaning and healing.
Science and health-and-wellness often intersect in discussions about mental health. David Kessler's research and work, focusing on grief and trauma, significantly contribute to understanding the complexity of the human psyche and emotional well-being.
