Grief and Loss: Theories and Skills for the Helping Professions, Third Edition

by Katherine Walsh

Loss is a part of every life, and grief related to loss is inescapable. It can result in distress that impacts work, learning, rehabilitation, spiritual beliefs, social relationships, health, mental health, and well-being. Helping professionals who encounter grief reactions in multiple settings are often not trained to identify and respond to the many complex grief-related problems of clients. Without the opportunity to learn how to assess and address grief, many may lack confidence in acknowledging loss and providing effective support. Although grieving is an extremely painful part of life, integration and adjustment are possible, and meaning can be made from loss. Readers will find many examples from caring and resilient students, interdisciplinary professionals, teachers, clients, and family members who have learned to make meaning from loss. The content of the third edition has been significantly influenced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the opioid addiction crisis, and increased awareness of racial trauma and injustice. The book provides a foundation for understanding, assessing, and responding effectively to grief and loss. The content is designed for students and professionals who find themselves working in proximity to loss, trauma, and grief in various capacities—educator, advocate, case manager, counselor, mental health and health care provider, and more. The work is vitally important, and the rewards for helping others cope with grief and loss are substantial. Not-for-sale instructor resource material available to college and university faculty only; contact publisher directly.

Genres: Nonfiction, Textbooks, Psychology

262 pages, Paperback

First published September 21, 2011

Reviews

[Miranda · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book was required reading for one of my Master of Social Work courses ("Bereavement, Grief, & Loss").

A good primer to grief. Covered a good range of topics, but consisted mostly of personal anecdotes. As someone with a background in hospice, I did not learn much from this book that I did not already know.

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book for school. I found it very informative without being dull. I will keep this book to look back on in both my future life and career.

[Janyce · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an informative book and helpful for learning about the grieving process. It was fairly straightforward, easy to follow, and an easy read.