Loss, Trauma, and Resilience: Therapeutic Work With Ambiguous Loss

by Pauline G. Boss

Pauline Boss, the principal theorist of the concept of ambiguous loss,
guides clinicians in the task of building resilience in clients who face
the trauma of loss without resolution. Boss describes a concrete
therapeutic approach that is at once directive and open to the complex
contexts in which people find meaning and discover hope in the face
of ambiguous losses.
In Part I readers are introduced to the concept of ambiguous loss and
shown how such losses relate to concepts of the family, definitions
of trauma, and capacities for resilience. In Part II Boss leads readers
through the various aspects of and target points for working with
those suffering ambiguous loss. From meaning to mastery, identity to
ambivalence, attachment to hope–these chapters cover key states of
mind for those undergoing ambiguous loss. The Epilogue addresses
the therapist directly and his or her own ambiguous losses. Closing
the circle of the therapeutic process, Boss shows therapists how
fundamental their own experiences of loss are to their own clinical
work.


In Loss, Trauma, and Resilience, Boss provides the therapeutic insight and wisdom that aids mental health professionals in not "going for closure," but rather building strength and acceptance of ambiguity. What readers will find is a concrete therapeutic approach that is at once directive and open to the complex contexts in which people find meaning and discover hope in the face of ambiguous losses.

Genres: Psychology, Nonfiction, Grief, Self Help, Counselling, Personal Development, School

280 pages, Hardcover

First published January 17, 2006

Reviews

[Melynda · Rating 5 out of 5]

A follow up to Boss's original book, this one is essentially a training manual for therapist who are working with clients who are dealing with ambiguous loss. It has been especially useful for me as I have not found a grief therapist in the area who understands or know how to treat the trauma of ambiguous loss. If you can't find a good therapist who understands the ambiguous loss model and how to treat it, give them this book (or read it yourself). It is full of useful and practical information on how to live well with ambiguous loss.

[Chris · Rating 3 out of 5]

Follow-up to her original book, "Ambiguous Loss" (a classic and excellent), this book gives specific advice to therapists on how to work with clients suffering ambiguous losses. Not sure it would be meaningful to many others. But good stuff.

[Victoria Shyrchenko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Дуже сподобалась. Полін Босс розширила моє розуміння про невизначену травму. Раніше думала, що це лише про військових, які зникли безвісти. А тепер розумію, як багато всього можна віднести до невизначеної травми. Рекомендую усім психологам, навіть якщо ви і не працюєте з невизначеною травмою.

[Tess Klaver · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the most interesting and useful text books I've ever had the pleasure of not buying.

[Ramona Fisher · Rating 5 out of 5]

The holding of presence and absence can seem impossible. And, yet for many, this is what life is. This book is helpful in understanding ambiguous loss and how to find hope and meaning.

[Filiz Tamer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Of all my school textbooks, this is one I’ll keep coming back to over and over.

[Clivemichael · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched and experienced process with good questions/suggestions.

[Shelley Diamond · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent resource in general, and especially in this time of coronavirus pandemic. Chapter 7 on "Normalizing Ambivalence" and Chapter 8 on "Revising Attachment" were particularly good, as well as the epilogue on issues for the therapist's self-focus.

[Elisabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

Felt like someone's thesis blown up into a book -- good idea, yes, somethings to keep in mind .. but half the length would have been fine? Sorry. Liked the author when I heard her live, tho.

[Joan · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book par excellence.