TAPS Model of Bereavement
The TAPS Model of Bereavement is how we support survivors at every point in their grief journey. This model has three core components, and each one represents a phas that survivors may move through, often fluidly, and not necessarily in a straight line.
Safety & Stabilization
Meaning & Purpose
integrating loss into life stories in a waythat creates meaning
feeling safe - emotionally, physically, and practically
Healthy Grief Journey
beginning to process loss in honorof a loved one
These are the very first moments when a survivor reaches out to us, often feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, and fragile. This is why TAPS is ready 24/7 when they are ready to reach out. We offer immediate care, comfort, and practical support through a steady, compassionate voice that affirms what they feel is real and normal, helps them understand next steps, connects them to resources, and guides them through the process. Everything we do at TAPS starts here, because stabilization is what allows all the rest of the healing work to unfold over time.
As survivors begin to move out of those early moments of shock and disorientation, something shifts. The reality of the loss becomes clearer, and the deeper emotional waves of grief begin to surface. This is where the Healthy Grief Journey begins and survivors start ot truly feel their grief. These emotions are not signs of doing badly, they are signs of being human. TAPS Programs are intentionally designed to walk with all survivors through this part of their journey. The impact of our offerings can be clearly seen as they help survivors process their grief in safe, compassionate, and culturally grounded ways. This is not about "getting over" anything. It's about honoring what was lost while restoring the capacity to feel connected, supported, and alive again.
As survivors continue in their grief journey, many being to reach a phase called Meaning and Purpose. By this point, they have navigated early shock, found safety, and worked through many intense emotions. Now, they being to explore how to live with the loss they've experienced and integrate into a "new normal". TAPS' goal during this phase is to help survivors find meaning in their lives. This can take many forms, including advocacy work, community engagement, remembrance activities, or simply rebuilding a sense of purpose in daily life. This phase is about helping survivors recognize that grief changes us, but it does not have to define or limit us. With guidance, and support, it's possible to life fully while carrying love and memory together.
Module 3, Lesson 2: TAPS Model of Bereavement
Bobbie Clark (TAPS)
Created on March 6, 2026
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Transcript
TAPS Model of Bereavement
The TAPS Model of Bereavement is how we support survivors at every point in their grief journey. This model has three core components, and each one represents a phas that survivors may move through, often fluidly, and not necessarily in a straight line.
Safety & Stabilization
Meaning & Purpose
integrating loss into life stories in a waythat creates meaning
feeling safe - emotionally, physically, and practically
Healthy Grief Journey
beginning to process loss in honorof a loved one
These are the very first moments when a survivor reaches out to us, often feeling overwhelmed, disoriented, and fragile. This is why TAPS is ready 24/7 when they are ready to reach out. We offer immediate care, comfort, and practical support through a steady, compassionate voice that affirms what they feel is real and normal, helps them understand next steps, connects them to resources, and guides them through the process. Everything we do at TAPS starts here, because stabilization is what allows all the rest of the healing work to unfold over time.
As survivors begin to move out of those early moments of shock and disorientation, something shifts. The reality of the loss becomes clearer, and the deeper emotional waves of grief begin to surface. This is where the Healthy Grief Journey begins and survivors start ot truly feel their grief. These emotions are not signs of doing badly, they are signs of being human. TAPS Programs are intentionally designed to walk with all survivors through this part of their journey. The impact of our offerings can be clearly seen as they help survivors process their grief in safe, compassionate, and culturally grounded ways. This is not about "getting over" anything. It's about honoring what was lost while restoring the capacity to feel connected, supported, and alive again.
As survivors continue in their grief journey, many being to reach a phase called Meaning and Purpose. By this point, they have navigated early shock, found safety, and worked through many intense emotions. Now, they being to explore how to live with the loss they've experienced and integrate into a "new normal". TAPS' goal during this phase is to help survivors find meaning in their lives. This can take many forms, including advocacy work, community engagement, remembrance activities, or simply rebuilding a sense of purpose in daily life. This phase is about helping survivors recognize that grief changes us, but it does not have to define or limit us. With guidance, and support, it's possible to life fully while carrying love and memory together.