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