Grief and Loss : Theories and Skills for Helping Professionals

by Walsh, Katherine

• ISBN13: 9780205398812
• ISBN10: 0205398812
• Edition: 1st
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2006-01-01
• Publisher: Allyn & Bacon

Summary

Every helping professional will encounter grief and loss in practice. This book introduces the key concepts related to gief and loss that are often omitted from professional training programs, preparing professional to effectively aid clients encountering grief and loss.A rich variety of case examples illustrate the essentail theories and skills, allowing the readers to see how these theories will enhance in their own practice. Individual and programmatic responses to grieving people are included. Culture, spirituality, age, gender and other factors that influence grief reactions are discussed, preparing students to understand and work with diverse populations.Each chapter includes exercises that encourage readers to apply the concepts learned and a companion web site includes slides, suggested Internet sites and supplemental learning tools that connect students to current and credible resources beyond those included in the text.

Table of Contents

Preface	vii
1 Loss Experiences That Generate Grief Reactions	1	(12)
Basic Facts about Loss and Grief	1	(2)
Symbolic Loss	3	(1)
Loss and Grief in Different Contexts	4	(9)
Exercise: Identifying Loss and Grief	10	(1)
Self-Test	11	(1)
Internet Resources	11	(1)
References	12	(1)
2 Self-Preparation and Training for Professionals Encountering Loss and Grief	13	(16)
Reviewing Our Own Experiences and Attitudes Related to Grief	13	(5)
Assessing and Enhancing Readiness to Address Grief in Our Work	18	(5)
Supervision, Consultation, and Collaboration with Other Professionals	23	(6)
Exercise: Exploring Losses in Your Own Life	26	(1)
Self-Test	27	(1)
Internet Resources	27	(1)
References	27	(2)
3 Loss and Grief Across the Lifespan	29	(15)
Childhood	31	(5)
Adolescence	36	(1)
Young Adulthood	37	(1)
Middle Adulthood	38	(1)
Late Adulthood	39	(1)
Advanced Age	40	(4)
Exercise: Grief Reactions at Different Stages of Life	41	(1)
Self-Test	42	(1)
Internet Resources	42	(1)
References	43	(1)
4 Normal and Complicated Grief Reactions	44	(18)
Theories That Inform Our Understanding of Grief	45	(3)
Common Reactions in Normal Grief	48	(1)
Complicated Grief	49	(4)
Interventions for Normal and Complicated Grief	53	(9)
Exercise: Identifying Signs of Normal and Complicated Grief	59	(1)
Self-Test	60	(1)
Internet Resources	60	(1)
References	61	(1)
5 Cultural and Spiritual Influences	62	(13)
The Influence of Culture in Coping with Loss and Grief	62	(6)
The Influence of Spirituality in Coping with Loss and Grief	68	(7)
Exercise: Grief in a Cultural Context	73	(1)
Self-Test	73	(1)
Internet Resources	73	(1)
References	74	(1)
6 What Can We Do To Help?	75	(10)
Misconceptions about Grief	75	(2)
Empathic Communication	77	(2)
Utilizing Information and Resources	79	(1)
Collaborating with Others	80	(5)
Exercise: Active Listening	83	(1)
Self-Test	83	(1)
Internet Resources	84	(1)
References	84	(1)
7 When Organizations and Communities Grieve	85	(9)
Taking a Leadership Role	87	(1)
Establishing a Bereavement Protocol: Interdisciplinary and Inter-Organizational Collaboration	88	(2)
Creating Remembrances and Memorials	90	(4)
Exercise: Mapping a Grief Protocol for Your Organization	92	(1)
Self-Test	93	(1)
Internet Resources	93	(1)
References	93	(1)
8 Self-Care: Sustaining Hope, Helpfulness, and Competence in Working with Grief	94	(11)
Continuing Education	94	(2)
Self-Care Strategies	96	(4)
Professional Support Systems	100	(5)
Exercise: Self-Evaluation	102	(1)
Self-Test	103	(1)
Internet Resources	103	(1)
References	103	(2)
Appendixes	105	(20)
A: Common Losses Across the Life Span	105	(2)
B: Annotated Bibliography	107	(3)
C: Helpful Strategies for Coping with Grief	110	(2)
D: Strategies for Professionals Helping Children and Families with Traumatic Loss	112	(2)
E: Remembrance Celebrations: Planning Your Own Memorial Service	114	(3)
F: Expressive Techniques	117	(3)
G: Caregiver's Retreat Agenda and Invitation	120	(5)
Index	125