Helping People through Grief

by Delores Kuenning

Your next-door neighbor has miscarried her first baby. What will you say when you see her? Your mother calls to tell you your father has been diagnosed as having cancer. What do you say? Your daughter calls to tell you her husband has filed for divorce. What ... ?

Based on her own experience as a pastor's wife, in-depth research and interviews with Christian counselors and medical professionals, the author of Helping People Through Grief believes that though most people lack the skills to really help people in crisis, these skills can be learned. The book is designed to guide the reader in how to show care and concern--by what is said and done, by being sensitive to the process, and by knowing when to do what. Each chapter is based on true experiences, and caregivers are supplied with practical advice and insight, appropriate scripture for different needs, as well as a list of recommended books.

Genres: Counselling, Nonfiction

272 pages, Paperback

First published October 1, 1987

Reviews

[Tylar Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you avoid/ don’t focus on the first chapter and the authors personal theology (it’s not Catholic at all, and dabbles in the thought of open theism) this is a very practical book that can for sure help navigate some hard conversations in painful times. Would still recommend overall for anyone who may be in pastoral counseling or simply wants to be more involved in care ministry.

[Cody Westcott · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a very practical and helpful book for anyone who ministers to those in grief and mourning. The layout is especially helpful. There author begins each chapter with a few stories from people who have experienced a particular type of loss or suffering, followed by a section of data and facts about such situations, and then closes each section with a practical list of do's and dont's for those experiencing or helping someone else through such a situation.

The book was practical and compelling. It feel short, however, in providing a comprehensive explanation or guide for grieving and suffering. I would have liked a more wholistic approach on ministering to the suffering, yet Kuenning merely tacks on a brief summary at the end of the book.

Also, while much of the book is still relevant and accurate, some of Kuenning's research and data have become outdated since the book was first published in the 80s.

Nevertheless, Kuenning does a good job of providing practical advice and insight, and this book is a great resource to have.

[Micah Reese · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book covers a variety of tragedies and offers some helpful dos and don'ts when trying to offer help for those suffering. However, some of the information and suggestions may be a tad dated as the book came out in 1987.

[Chad Dillon · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very good introduction to help people deal with grief or if you are going through grief. Good stories to help with application. Wonderful bullet points to help know how to respond.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is easy to read and gives very practical advice for different types of losses such as miscarrage, loss of a spouse, suicide, etc. Even though the resources are outdated, this is a great book to have, especially since people tend to say the dumbest things while others are going through grief.

[Sam · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is dated, but very helpful for helping people through grief in various situations. It outlines a dozen or so stories on grief and then gives practical advice for people suffering and the caregivers. e.g. Children with cancer, abduction, car crashes, divorce, sudden death, Alzheimer's in the family, infant death, etc.

[Jackie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A comprehensive treatment of how to help people dealing with grief/despair.