Bereavement Counseling

Harold G. Koenig, Junietta B. Mccall

Acknowledgments
Introduction
A Tale of Two Sisters
The Desire to Know More
Beginning Assumptions
The Larger Context
Aims and Purpose
Challenges
Sources and Approach
Overview
Chapter 1. Universal Grief Processes and Responses
In Every Life There is Gain and Loss
A Relational/Contextual View of Attachments and Loss
Types of Losses
The Universal, Normal Grief Process
A Loss and Recovery Model of Grief
Is the Grief Process the Same for Everyone?
Grief Trajectories and Variations Within the Normal Grief Response
Assessment of a Person’s Current Grieving Process
Management of the Normal Grieving Process
Summary
Chapter 2. When Grief Becomes Complicated
Stories of Complicated Grief
Is Grief Becoming More Complex?
A Definition of Complicated Grief
Stage-Specific Complications
General Risk Factors
People Who are Particularly At Risk
Assessing Complicated Grief Trajectories
More Experiences of Complicated Grieving
Summary
Chapter 3. Dysfunctional Grieving
The Initial Inquiry
Labeling Grief Responses
Locus of Impairment
Severity of Impairment
Dysfunctional Grieving Criteria
Individuals Who are Particularly at Risk
Strategies for Challenging Dysfunctional Behavior
Summary
Chapter 4. The Spiritual Side of Grief and Loss
Definition of Spirituality
Religious Spirituality
Spirituality and Wellness
Spiritual Activity
The Spiritual Component of Grief Work
Experiences of Spiritually Based Grief Complications
Spiritually Based Dysfunctional Grief
Individuals Particularly at Risk for Spiritually Based Complications
Stages of Spiritual Grief
Summary
Chapter 5. How Perceptions, Thoughts, and Beliefs Influence Care
Subjectivity, Vulnerability, and Professional Bias
Recognizing the Relational Feedback Loop
Common Myths and Misperceptions Concerning Grief and Loss
Problematic Implications
Recognizing Critical Care Points
Using Perceptions and Beliefs to Enhance Care
The Role of Consultation
Summary
Chapter 6. Therapies and Treatment Priorities
Types of Treatment
Loss-Focused Therapies
Adjunct Therapies
Longer-Term Grief Therapies
Multiple Therapies
Establishing Treatment Priorities
A Holistic Treatment Process
Summary
Chapter 7. Positive Strategies and Helpful Interventions
General Grief Resolution Strategies
Strategies for Telling the Grief Story
Strategies for Developing a Sense of Self
Strategies for Developing a Sense of Relationship
Strategies for Creating a Sense of Meaning
Strategies for Building Memories
Strategies for Recognizing Continuity of Being
Expressing Grief in Other Ways
Turning Around Unhelpful Grief Responses
Summary
Chapter 8. Reorganization and Reclaiming One’s Life
Reorganization Involves Change
Motivators
Decisions to Move Ahead
Challenges to Reorganization
Developing a Lifelong Habit of Learning
Reclaiming Life
Appendix A. Universal Grief Response
Appendix B. Possible Complications Surrounding Significant Loss
Appendix C. Identification of Risk Factors That May Lead to Complicated and Dysfunctional Grieving
Appendix D. Grief Trajectory Worksheet: Complicated/Dysfunctional Grief
Appendix E. Grief Response Service Wheel
Appendix F. Severity of Grief Response: Impairment Flow Sheet Template
Appendix G. Dysfunctional Grieving Criteria: Symptoms and Behavior That Can Indicate Dysfunctional Grieving
Bibliography
Index


Reference Notes Included