When loss is experienced by a person in a relationship, it can profoundly affect both the grieving person and the relationship. Feelings may be all over the place, behaviour may be uncharacteristic, emotions may be exaggerated or supressed to a state of numbness caused by the shock.

This situation will be heightened particularly if the death is of a child of the partners. The grief may tear the couple apart, when in reality both may desperately want and need more support from the other.

Death of a parent, friend or relative may bring all sorts of questions about the meaning of life into focus. This experience may be too much for a couple to handle without help. A person outside of the situation may be able to help each to talk out their confused and painful feelings.