Effective Grief and Bereavement Support

For therapists, and all who work with or wish to help those who are bereaved, I can thoroughly recommend Atle's recent book, written with Kari Dyregov, 'Effective Grief and Bereavement Support' (2010) (ISBN 978184310106678). The book provides insight into the experience and process of grief and it is packed full of practical, useful information. The book is written from the perspective of the authors' wide therapeutic experience, particularly of working with children and young people with post-traumatic stress. The book is written in a direct, accessible language, and gives practical and down to eart advice on how family, community and professionals can assist children, young people and adults who have been bereaved. I also very often use his earlier book "Grief in Children" (ISBN 9781843106128) in workshops and courses. Both books are published by Jessica Kingsley. -- Association of Lawyers for Children newsletter
an important companion to the literature on one-to-one therapeutic routes to bereavement care, I highly recommend it. -- Bereavement Care, Linda Machin, Visiting research fellow Keele University
a profoundly significant book on a topic rarely discussed and little researched, dealing with sudden or unexpected death. The authors have brought together the latest knowledge in the field, and explore how social networks and professionals working with the bereaved can help. This is an important book for all of us, who will sadly one day experience this... it is a must read for those in the field and those suffering. -- Cary L. Cooper, CBE, Distinguished Professor of Organizational Psychology and Health, Lancaster University
It is nothing short of impressive. Yes, more than impressive, because the down-to-earth nature of the studies and the reader-friendly presentation makes this textbook a gift to us all. And by all of us, I do in fact mean all. -- From the Foreword by Magne Raundalen
This book will be essential reading for counsellors, psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, priests, police, community doctors, hospital staff and teachers, as well as bereaved families and those who support them. -- Bristol Bereavement Forum
A practical and up-to-date resource for specialists'. -- The Church Times
Norwegian behavioral scientists and clinicians Kari and Atle Dyregrov have produced a distinguished record based on more than 20 years of research on traumatic death bereavement and its effects on adults and children. In this volume, they have distilled their findings to concisely and cogently describe the pathways adult and child survivors follow - and their needs for social support - after a loved one's traumatic death, brilliantly summarizing how survivors experience loss and slowly progress toward more advanced stages of coping and personal growth. Following an uncommon path in bereavement research, the authors interview members of survivors' social networks, finding that as significant others invest more time, effort, and emotional availability in survivors, they themselves experience personal growth and deeper understanding of loss. One of the book's greatest strengths is the model it offers for bereaved and significant others to follow, enhancing the provision of emotional support and aid from this crucially important group. Survivors, their significant others, and clinicians will find great value in this important study. Summing Up: Essential -- CHOICE Magazine
Counsellors, teachers, pallative care professionals and non-professionals have a great deal to gain from this book. It offers clear, practical guidance on how to communicate and offer support, and gives voice to what the bereaved themselves want from those around them. -- Therapy Today
This book fills an important gap in this respect by providing a useful resource for professionals and non-professionals, as well as bereaved families and those who support them. Grounded in research, the book is friendly and accessible. -- Nursing Standard