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The Myth of Closure

Ambiguous Loss in a Time of Pandemic and Change

Pauline Boss author

Format:Hardback

Publisher:WW Norton & Co

Published:15th Feb '22

Should be back in stock very soon

The Myth of Closure cover

The COVID-19 pandemic has left many of us haunted by feelings of anxiety, despair and even anger. In this book, pioneering therapist, Pauline Boss identifies these vague feelings of distress as ambiguous loss. This is what we experience when a loss remains unclear and undefined, and thus lingers indefinitely. Now, with a pandemic that has upended the lives of people across the globe, we are collectively experiencing ambiguous loss—loss of trust in the world as a safe place and loss of certainty about our healthcare, education for our children, employment, and the rebuilding of our lives after so much loss.

Here, you will find guidance for beginning to cope with this lingering distress, and even learn how this time of pandemic has taught us to tolerate ambiguity, build resilience and emerge from crises stronger than we were before.

"Perhaps Boss’s most valuable advice when faced with pandemic losses: “What we need to hope for is not to go back to what we had, but to see what we can create now and in the future.” She suggested brainstorming with others and being willing to try new things. “Hope for something new and purposeful that will sustain you and give you joy for the rest of your life.”" -- The Independent
"This book is packed with observation and stories, and imbued with understanding, compassion, wisdom and permission to be human. I unreservedly recommend it to anyone who is not quite knowing where they find themselves after the events of the past two years." -- Therapy Today

ISBN: 9781324016816

Dimensions: 218mm x 147mm x 20mm

Weight: 375g

192 pages