Losing a loved one affects everyone differently, and many people process grief through dreams, especially dreams of the deceased. These “visitation dreams” feature the deceased appearing alive, healthy, and sometimes offering reassurance. Neuroscientist Patrick McNamara believes such dreams aid emotional healing and may suggest survival after death. Studies support this,
showing that dreams of the deceased can bring comfort and strengthen the connection to them. Psychologist Jennifer Shorter identified four key features of visitation dreams: the deceased seem healthier, they offer reassurance, the dream feels telepathic, and the experience is peaceful. These dreams help the grieving process, whether soon after loss or years later.
