The Relevance of Health Psychology in Trauma and Grief Work

Health psychology is a vital and evolving field that explores how psychological, behavioural, and social factors influence physical health and illness. While traditionally associated with chronic illness, pain management, and health behaviour change, health psychology also plays a critical role in addressing trauma and grief. These profound human experiences, which are often undetectable by medical tests, significantly impact both mental health and physical well-being. By integrating insights from psychology, medicine, and behavioural science, health psychologists in clinical practice are uniquely positioned to support individuals navigating the complex intersections of trauma, loss, and health.

Understanding the mind-body connection in trauma and grief

Both trauma and grief are experiences that are felt physically. They affect the nervous system, immune function, and hormonal balance, often leading to physical symptoms such as fatigue, insomnia, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and increased vulnerability to illness. Trauma can cause the autonomic nervous system to become dysregulated, keeping the body in a prolonged state of fight, flight, or freeze. Similarly, grief, especially when traumatic or disenfranchised, can trigger chronic stress responses that impact cardiovascular health, immune function, and inflammatory processes.

Health psychology acknowledges and addresses these physiological consequences. Rather than treating the mind and body as separate, it views them as deeply interconnected. This perspective is especially valuable in trauma and grief work, where physical symptoms may persist long after the initial psychological wound and where healing must occur on both psychological and somatic levels.

Trauma-informed, holistic care

A trauma-informed health psychology approach recognizes that past trauma can shape how individuals experience medical care, illness, and loss. For example, people with histories of childhood trauma or medical trauma may experience heightened anxiety in clinical settings or struggle to trust healthcare providers. Similarly, those who have experienced relational trauma may find grief particularly destabilizing, especially if the relationship was complicated, abusive, or unresolved.

Health psychologists in clinical practice are trained to offer sensitive, nonjudgmental, and collaborative care. They understand how to pace interventions, avoid re-traumatization, and help clients build safety and regulation in their bodies and relationships. This trauma-informed lens is essential for helping individuals process what has happened to them while also addressing the health consequences of their experiences.

Grief as a health concern

Grief is often treated as a purely emotional experience, but health psychology highlights its wide-ranging effects on physical health and functioning. Bereaved individuals, especially those experiencing ambiguous, or disenfranchised grief, are at increased risk of depression, substance use, sleep disturbances, cardiovascular problems, and immune dysfunction. In some cases, grief can evolve into a chronic condition in itself, as sometimes seen in traumatic grief. I've written more about traumatic grief [here] and [here].

Health psychologists help individuals make sense of their grief within the broader context of their overall health. This might include supporting clients in developing coping strategies, improving sleep and self-care routines, understanding and addressing mind-body syndromes (read more about that here), or addressing existential questions related to loss. Importantly, they validate that grief is not just a mental or emotional issue; it is a whole-body experience that deserves compassionate, holistic care.

Supporting behaviour change and resilience

Another key contribution of health psychology in trauma and grief work is its focus on behaviour change and resilience. After a traumatic event or significant loss, individuals often struggle with disrupted routines, emotional overwhelm, and diminished motivation. Health psychologists in clinical practice are skilled in motivational interviewing, acceptance and commitment therapy, cognitive-behavioral strategies, and stress reduction techniques among other approaches, that can help clients regain a sense of control and agency. In addition, when addressing trauma and grief in the context of health, they will be trained in grief counseling and utilize trauma-informed approaches, such as sensorimotor psychotherapy which integrates cognitive and somatic methods to address the physical, emotional, and cognitive aspects of trauma.

Moreover, health psychology doesn’t focus only on pathology. It also explores post-traumatic growth, benefit finding, and resilience. Clients are supported not just in surviving trauma and grief but in discovering meaning, strengthening coping skills, and rebuilding lives that reflect their values and experiences. This strengths-based approach honours both the pain and the potential for transformation.

Bridging the gap between medicine and mental health

Perhaps one of the most valuable roles of health psychology in trauma and grief work is its ability to bridge the often-fragmented worlds of physical and mental healthcare. People experiencing trauma or grief often fall through the cracks, i.e. referred back and forth between general practitioners, mental health services, and specialists without integrated support. Health psychologists are trained to understand medical contexts and collaborate with other healthcare professionals, making them ideal allies in multidisciplinary care teams.

They can advocate for patients who feel unheard, validate the reality of mind-body symptoms, and help medical teams understand the psychological context of physical illness. In doing so, they reduce stigma, increase understanding, and promote more compassionate, person-centered care.

Conclusion

Health psychology offers essential tools and perspectives for trauma and grief work. By recognizing the inseparable connection between mind and body, adopting trauma-informed and holistic approaches, and promoting resilience alongside healing, health psychologists can help individuals navigate the complex, painful, and often invisible impact of trauma and loss. In a healthcare system that too often divides the emotional from the physical, health psychology provides a bridge that honours the full human experience in illness, trauma, and grief.

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Dr. Ingela Thuné-Boyle is a licensed Practitioner Health Psychologist and a Doctor in Behavioural Medicine who specializes in stress and loss, especially in improving the quality of life of people struggling with long-term health problems, chronic pain and trauma. She runs a private online (telehealth) practice at www.ingelathuneboyle.com.

Please note: Advice given in this blog is not meant to take the place of therapy or any other professional advice. The opinions and views offered by the author is not intended to treat or diagnose, nor is it intended to replace the treatment and care that you may be receiving from a licensed physician or mental health provider. The author is not responsible for the outcome or results following their information and advice on this blog.