Languages of Loss: A psychotherapist's journey through grief

by Sasha Bates, Tamsin Greig (Foreword)

One person, two perspectives on grief. Plunged unexpectedly into widowhood at just 49 years old, psychotherapist Sasha Bates describes in searing honesty the agonisingly raw feelings unleashed by the loss of her husband and best friend, Bill. At the same time, she attempts to keep her therapist hat in place and create some perspective from psycho-analytic theory. From the depths of her confusion she gropes for ways to manage and bear the pain - by looking back at all that she has learnt from psychotherapeutic research, and from accepted grief theories, to help her make sense of her altered reality.

Languages of Los starts a necessary and overdue conversation about death and loss. It breaks down taboos and tries to find humour and light amidst the depressing, bewildering reality. It is an essential companion to help support readers through the agony of those early months, giving permission for all the feelings, and offering various methods of living with them.This book's overriding message is that everyone's experience of grief is different, but knowing more about the theory, and learning a new vocabulary, while not necessarily easing the grief, can help you feel less alone, and at some point enable you to reflect back and see how far you have come.

Genres: Grief, Nonfiction, Psychology, Autobiography

240 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 2, 2020

Reviews

[Berdine André · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful account of Sasha’s journey through grief - fine balance between personal insight and theoretical support. I would recommend this book to anyone that wants to know how to support someone through grief. In fact, I’ll recommended it to anyone. A must read!!

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked the alternate between the author’s bereaved-self and therapist-self. The former gave me a glimpse of what my grandma must’ve felt after losing my grandpa. As a student, the latter served as an objective view on grief and its theories.

[Susanne Russell · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of the best books about grief you will ever read. If you only read one, make it this one.

[Valerio Biancone · Rating 2 out of 5]

Very, very repetitive. Psychotherapy theories pretty much non-existent

[Lola · Rating 5 out of 5]

A deeply, touching memoir of Sasha’s experience with grief and loss. Truly inspiring.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish to whatever higher power there is that I had not had to go in search of a book like this, on this subject. But unfortunately I did. Having read it I encourage anyone who has lost anyone to read this honest, heart breaking account.

[Tracy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I don't often write reviews but felt I had to as this is a very special book . A beautifully written & heartfelt tale giving a real insight into the madness of grief. A must read for anyone working in the field or simply needing some company on their own journey. Sashas personal story is cleverly interwoven with some of the popular theories of grief which gives the reader a much broader way to think about the subject and the different contexts and emotions that it brings. Deeply personal, raw and honest, one of the best writings on grief I have ever read.

[Saffy · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a beautifully written memoir of the author's experience of grief following the death of her beloved husband. The joy and love in their relationship shines through this memoir. Sasha Bates is a psychotherapist and the book is interwoven with her reflections on the models of grief and how they relate to her experience. Ultimately as she says , everyone's experience of grief and loss is unique. I would highly recommend this book to everyone, not just those who have experienced bereavement or for those who are working to support them but for all of us to help us further understand the grief process, and how to support family and friends

[Miss L E Usher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fantastic book, I highly rate this book for anybody who loves the human condition and their story.

[Elin Eriksson Mårs · Rating 4 out of 5]

Helped me immensely in dealing with my partner in his grief and learning how to stay/be close to anyone who goes through a sudden loss