All Our Losses, All Our Griefs: Resources for Pastoral Care

by Kenneth R. Mitchell, Herbert Anderson

Grief as a lifelong human experience is the scope of this absorbing book. Kenneth Mitchell and Herbert Anderson explore the multiple dimensions of the problem, including the origins and dynamics of grief, loss throughout life, caring for those who grieve, and the theology of grieving. This examination is enriched by vivid illustrations and case histories of individuals whose experiences the authors have shared.

Genres: Spirituality, Nonfiction, Counselling

180 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1983

Reviews

[Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Living with someone who is a hospital chaplain means that I get easy access to books like this. I guess I haven’t read that many books about grief, but this one really blew my socks off! Technically it’s Christian, but I would say that the Christian references are pretty sparing until the last chapter. It’s written by two pastors who have given pastoral care to people through grief, and their definition of a grief is very expansive, including things like changes in life or even the loss of physical items. They approach caring for grieving people in deeply, compassionate, loving ways, and I would say it pretty significantly changed my perspective about how people move through loss.

[Susannah Carter · Rating 5 out of 5]

"To be human is to be a griever for all kinds of losses... To be human is to be finite and to suffer."

WOW. This is an incredible read. This was a required book for my internship, but I have a feeling I'll be reading this again at some point in my life. Mitchell and Anderson have crafted a tremendous theological reflection on grief, humanity, and support in loss, no matter how great or small. While the book's intended audience is pastoral and spiritual care providers, I think anyone who will encounter grieving people (which is, all of us) could benefit from reading this.

[Carmel Ann Sperti]

Handbook for Grief Management in Ministry and Personal Life

Mitchell writes authoritatively and compassionately about
The many layers and facets of grief. Recommended by Melissa Kelley, this book did not disappoint...should be required reading for anyone in Pastoral Care or grief ministry.

[Jay Pope · Rating 5 out of 5]

Skip Elizabeth Kubler-Ross and jump straight to this outstanding and deeply moving account of grief as a dynamic force within each person. Sensitive, informed, and up to date even though it was written 20+ years ago. Very highly recommended for all pastors and mental health professionals.

[Jennifer Maddox - Watson · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is a great resource for people or people who know pwople experiencing grief in any form in their lives. It defines grief and loss as a very ordinary occurence.

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A practical exploration of grief with approachable case studies

[Allan Gates · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommended to all pastors on the subject of dealing with loss and grief. This little book is a encouraging way to look at how to care for those who are suffering from loss and death.

[Greg · Rating 5 out of 5]

A discussion of grief, which can be caused by more than just death--it includes changes in life, jobs, etc. A great guide on understanding grief and working with people who are suffering it.

[Katarina Stenstedt · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book really helped me in processing my own grief and in supporting others who are grieving. My only complaint is that it presents a somewhat narrow and Christian point of view. I'd love to supplement this book with one that approaches grief from a broader perspective.

[Janessa Nations · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for my Grief, Loss, Death and Dying class. I loved it. The flow of the book is done very well. It moves from what grief is, to how it is affected, to how to care for those who grieve. The breakdowns are done well and it’s easy to read. I found this book very helpful.

[William Stanger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent book on the topic of grief. I had to read it for a course I'm taking, but I'm really glad I did. It's a resource I'm sure to return to again and again.

[Kendall Fountain · Rating 4 out of 5]

More like 4.5 stars! Such a great resource for gaining a better understanding of grief and how to care for those who grieve

[Ali · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good book about grief and loss. From a Christian perspective. I do recommend it. Lots of examples and theological reflection.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

A solid pastoral care resource for dealing with loss. I read this while at the Div School, before actually doing any work with grief. There were of course some things I took exception to, but by and large, I found it useful.

[Rachel · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book taught me a lot about all the different kinds of losses people experience and how they might affect people. It was refreshing to read that, for instance, losing an object can be almost the same as losing a person. Some of the language is a little dated, but I got over it quickly.

[Cws]

253 Mit

[Dangerboy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a decent resource for people helping others walk through grief.
They believe we experience many different forms of loss, all of which create grief.