A Story of Transformation Following Catastrophic Loss

The emotional impact following catastrophic loss is a highly individualized and personal experience. Such an experience may be life transforming and can significantly influence the course of one's emotional recovery. Through the gathering of story, a clearer understanding of the transformational experience may lead to more appropriate mental health support for those most in need. The purposes of this article are to share the author's 4-year autobiographical story following catastrophic loss from a house explosion and fire, to discuss the transpersonal perspective on transformation, and to offer the use of story for practice and research applications for persons experiencing catastrophic loss.