Bereavement - Counseling the Grieving Throughout the Lifecycle
David Crenshaw, Ph.D.
The Crossroad Publishing Co.,
New York, NY,
1996 ISBN 0-8245-1291-X,
pbk.175 pp. $13.95
Even if we are not all bereavement professionals
we should have a basic knowledge of the principles of this field. This
book presents them in a readable fashion. It is not a text but a guidebook,
and in a well organized and intelligent format provides a wealth of practical
grief work information.
The introduction gives the best overview of bereavement
theory that I have ever seen, almost as a primer to the subject. It examines,
(among other things), the tasks in mourning, the consequences of unresolved
grief, normal and pathological bereavement, and general ways to help. The
next chapters move through the different age groups; preschool, school-age,
adolescent, young adult, mid-life adult, and the elderly. The issues that
face any particular age group are presented and practical advice is given.
Problematic areas are pointed out, and questions are answered.
I would suggest that if you are working in this
field and feel that your knowledge is lacking in this end you should get
this book. If you find that you need more detailed information you can go
to the texts. Two things that are lacking are a bibliography and an index.
The "Notes" give some resources for further study, but the author should
consider adding a listing of texts and references.
