ABOUT AMBIGUOUS LOSS UK
Definition
“Ambiguous loss is an unclear loss, thought to be the most stressful type and often enduring, without closure or a goodbye. A psychological or physical absence from an external cause brings uncertainty, confusion and a sense of limbo. Grief is complicated, delayed or frozen, and often unresolved.” (Chloe Swinton, 2021) Find out more about ambiguous loss. Founder Chloe Swinton founded ALUK in 2015, after 15 years of working in the field supporting families and individuals, and recognising her own ambiguous losses in the past. Ambiguous loss is a social issue which affects all of us in some way, but few people know of the term. Chloe is inspired by the work of Pauline Boss, also the therapeutic nature of the sea. She is currently writing a book on ambiguous loss to support those affected. Seascapes Chloe is greatly inspired by seascapes and spends hours taking black and white photos of waves! Many people are drawn to the sea and emotions are linked to water as an element, watery tears of sorrow or joy, and grief can feel like an ocean. Water brings life to all beings on earth. There is symbolism and associations with seascapes and ambiguous loss - the uncertainty of the sand, waves of emotions, crumbling cliffs of despair, vastness of possibilities, horizon of hope, the fathomless of the ocean etc. All the photos on this website are from Chloe's adventures to the seaside. Vision A compassionate world supportive and understanding of ambiguous loss. Mission Chloe's mission is to use her expertise and skills offering ambiguous loss counselling and support throughout the UK, and to raise awareness of ambiguous loss with a range of educational methods. |
“Water is life’s matter and matrix, mother and medium. There is no life without water.” ~ Albert Szent-Gyorgyi