In the Presence of Grief

Death and loss are the most profound challenges that families face, and are further complicated by agonizing dilemmas concerning end-of-life decisions. This timely volume brings clarity and wisdom to the issues confronting families and family therapists, drawing from the author's rich clinical experience as well as her own personal journey. Novice and experienced clinicians will find this book of enormous value in their practices and in the presence of grief in their own lives.--Froma Walsh, PhD, University of Chicago and Chicago Center for Family Health

Becvar has succeeded in writing a humane and highly informative book. Her writing arises from personal as well as clinical experience, which contributes to the book's warm and engaging tone. In contrast to most existing works on the subject, the book includes many firsthand accounts that bring to life such themes as the search for meaning and the need to reclaim joy. These narratives inspire hope and show how we can grow as human beings from this universal form of suffering. I will not hesitate to make this book 'required reading' for clients in the midst of grieving, particularly those with few supports in their lives.--Dolores Gallagher-Thompson, PhD, ABPP, VA Palo Alto Health Care System and Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences, Stanford University School of Medicine

From a veteran family therapist and author, this book provides a wise, comprehensive, and sensitive approach to a universal human experience. Clearly illustrating the contemporary understanding that grief is never completed, Becvar emphasizes the uniqueness of the grieving process for each individual. She does not attempt to offer a laundry list or recipe for providing therapy, but instead offers a framework of understanding and rich examples of assistance and support that leave the way open for clinicians from various orientations to employ their own techniques. The role of spirituality among those from diverse value orientations is respectfully woven into the fabric of the book, as is attention to issues of gender and ethnicity. An unusually thorough guide for helping professionals, this book will also serve as a major source of understanding and healing for lay readers. In addition, it will be a useful text for graduate courses in family therapy, clinical psychology, social work, and counseling.--William C. Nichols, EdD, ABPP, Past President, International Family Therapy Association; Past President, American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy; Past President, National Council on Family Relations; Editor, Contemporary Family Therapy: An International Journal

This is an intelligent, compassionate clinical companion--richly textured, humane, and moving. Beyond simply describing a narrative approach, the book embodies one. Becvar focuses on the ways that bereaved clients typically live in two realities: the presence of grief and the capacity to experience joy. She offers useful strategies, reflections, case vignettes, and therapeutic conversations that will be helpful to novice and seasoned clinicians from all disciplines.--Maureen Leahey, RN, PhD, Calgary Health Region Family Therapy Training Program, Calgary, Alberta, Canada
- All authors aspire to make an impact. A few succeed. Dorothy Becvar's work is an example of such an achievement. ...Clinicians will find many ideas that can be applied immediately in their day-to-day work with families and individuals. This book will help students at all levels understand the main issues of resolution and grief. --Death Studies, 8/10/2003ƒƒ This is an excellent resource for clinicians, pastors, grief counselors, professors, and anyone else concerned with caring for those who grieve. It is uniquely thorough and insightful, well written, and admirably humane in its tone. --Family Ministry, 8/10/2003