Abstract: Decades of studies have produced evidence that expressive writing is beneficial in processing traumatic experiences. Several theories have offered explanations for why writing is beneficial. The conclusions of this study are based upon analysis of participant description of the writing experience. This study engaged 8 bereaved parents in a modified Pennebaker (1988) expressive writing task and asked them to describe their writing experience. Participants reported on their experience at 3 points: immediately following four 20 minute writing sessions in a Likert-type questionnaire, a week later in an interview, and in a 1 month follow up telephone call. Journal contents were analyzed via LIWC2001 analysis, and interviews were analyzed following the method described by Corbin & Strauss (1990). Results indicated that each participant had an outstanding need in his or her bereavement process. The needs seemed to be the result of a set of identifiable factors unique to each individual. A model is presented for consideration in designing a writing intervention for a bereaved client. Concepts that represent the bereavement-related needs for participants were identified and placed in 1 of the following 5 categories. Disclosure: Disclosure without invalidation; and disclosure, validation must be present. Accuracy for History, Posterity: Preserve good memories of deceased child; telling the whole story - not only the death of the child; confirm performance as a good parent; tell experience from one's own perspective; and store an accurate record outside of self. Cognitive Processing: Gain a new perspective regarding events; gain a new perspective regarding others; and awareness and mindfulness. Existential or Spiritual Experiences: Understand unanswerable questions; keep the child in the present; and maintain the relationship with the child; and Miscellaneous Concepts: Distraction leading away from grief; and entering and cleaning the deceased's bedroom. The participants intuitively approached the writing task in attempt to address their bereavement-related needs. Those whose needs were met rated the writing experience as beneficial, and those whose needs were not met rated the writing experience as not beneficial.