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Losing a loved one is one of life’s most difficult experiences, and grief manifests differently for everyone. Some cry, some withdraw, and many struggle to cope. Among these expressions of grief, one common phenomenon stands out: dreams of deceased loved ones, often called “visitation dreams.”
Visitation dreams are vivid experiences where the deceased appear alive and communicate, offering comfort or reassurance. Patrick McNamara, a neurology and psychiatry professor at Boston University, explains that even skeptics may feel a profound sense of connection during these dreams. Such experiences can help process grief, foster emotional healing, and provide solace.
Research supports the significance of visitation dreams. Studies show that many bereaved individuals find meaning in these dreams, experiencing renewed connection with the deceased and sometimes reinforcing beliefs in an afterlife. Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter notes that these dreams often present the deceased as healthy, peaceful, and communicating nonverbally, leaving the dreamer with calm and reassurance.
Visitation dreams can occur soon after loss or years later, offering closure, comfort, and ongoing connection. Whether seen as spiritual messages or psychological coping, they are a powerful part of grief’s journey.
Have you ever had a visitation dream? What did it mean to you?
