Losing a loved one is one of life’s most painful experiences, and everyone grieves differently. Some cry, others withdraw, and many search for ways to cope with the emptiness left behind. One common phenomenon among the bereaved is dreaming of the person who has passed away. These dreams can be vivid, emotional, and deeply meaningful—often leaving us wondering whether they are mere reflections of memory or something more profound. Research indicates that approximately 58% of bereaved individuals report dreams of the deceased, many of which they describe as “visitation dreams.”
Experts refer to these as visitation dreams—dreams in which the deceased appear alive and communicate with the dreamer. Patrick McNamara, associate professor of neurology and psychiatry at Boston University, describes them as moments where “the dead appear to the bereaved in dreams and look to be very much alive.” After experiencing such dreams himself, McNamara questioned his skepticism about life after death, noting the powerful sense of connection they evoke. Psychologically, visitation dreams may help individuals process grief and find comfort. A 2014 study published in the American Journal of Hospice and Palliative Care found that these dreams are common and often aid in emotional healing, with themes such as seeing the deceased healthy, peaceful, and offering reassurance. Similarly, a 2016 Canadian study found that over two-thirds of bereaved participants believed their dreams strengthened their faith in an afterlife and deepened their emotional bond with the deceased.
Psychologist Jennifer E. Shorter identified four features typical of these dreams: the deceased appear healthy, communicate peace, use telepathic rather than spoken messages, and leave the dreamer feeling calm and reassured. Whether seen as spiritual encounters or the mind’s way of healing, visitation dreams can bring solace and a renewed sense of connection. For many, they serve as gentle reminders that grief is both a process and a passage—and that love endures, even beyond death.
