The TIME Model of Grief: Understanding Non-Linear Grief

When Grief Comes Back

Laurie Hole - April 2026

Grief is often spoken about as something we move through—something that, with time, we come to accept and that gradually resolves itself. But in reality, it rarely works this way.

I developed the TIME model to offer a different way of understanding grief—a more human way. One that recognises the ongoing relationship we have with grief over our lifetime, and our need to tend to it as and when it arises.

When grief resurfaces, it’s common to find yourself wondering:

• Why am I not over this?

• Why does this feel like I’m going backwards?

• Why do I keep coming back to this?

The reality of grief is that as life moves forward, grief shifts alongside it—sometimes receding, and sometimes re-emerging in response to what’s happening around us.

This isn’t a sign you’ve gone backwards. This isn’t a sign that you’re stuck.

The TIME model offers a simple way of making sense of this. To find out more, please download this short guide.