Grief and Bereavement in Contemporary Society

Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD, directs the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition, serves as editor of the journal Death Studies, actively practices as a trainer, consultant and coach, and has published extensively on grieving as a meaning-making process.Darcy L. Harris, PhD, RN, RSW, FT, is an associate professor in the Department of Interdisciplinary Programs and the coordinator of the Thanatology Program at King’s University College at Western University in London, Ontario, Canada. She also maintains a private clinical practice and does consulting and presentation work specializing in issues related to change, loss, transition, and grief.Howard R. Winokuer, PhD, was the founder of the Winokuer Center for Counseling and Healing in Charlotte, North Carolina, and was a well-known author and internationally renowned speaker.Gordon F. Thornton, PhD, is professor emeritus at Indiana University of Pennsylvania and has served as president of the Association for Death Education and Counseling.

"This book is a marvelous, intelligent response to the call for bridging the gap separating bereavement researchers and practitioners. Each chapter’s collaborative team synthesizes important scholarship, provides challenging case studies, and persuasively addresses the nagging practitioner question of "So what?" The writing crackles, insights abound, and we are offered wide-ranging critical and experiential wisdom about a legion of bereavement realities that bedevil human beings." David E. Balk, author of Dealing with Dying, Death, and Grief during Adolescence"This landmark book has achieved a stunning integration of research and clinical practice. The structure is bold and innovative, and the book provides readers with an unparalleled opportunity to appreciate the common threads linking research and applied work on bereavement." Camille Wortman, coauthor of Traumatic Bereavement: Treatment for Survivors of Sudden Death"The editors of this very readable and stimulating volume have taken the unique step of bringing together practitioners and researchers to write joint chapters on a wide range of topical issues in the bereavement field. No longer can it be said that those working in one of these capacities fail to take the wisdom, knowledge, expertise and experience of the other seriously. This is a highly significant contribution to our field." Margaret S. Stroebe, coeditor of the Handbook of Bereavement Research and Practice: Advances in Theory and Intervention "The tone of this book is thoughtful, questioning, and respectful which is evident in the way researchers and practitioners have come together and shared their perspectives and knowledge. The authors and editors of the book enable the reader to personalize their experience, just as we do in life with different forms of loss. I thoroughly recommend this book to those with experience in death, dying, and bereavement." Susan Meyerink, Grief Matters: The Australian Journal of Grief and Bereavement"This innovative and rich text makes an important contribution to the literature and highlights the benefits of research/practice dialogue in the field of grief and bereavement." Liz Rolls, Mortality, 18:3