Abstract

Being able to offer support to the bereaved is an important part of many frontline professions, such as nurses, teachers, funeral directors and anything in between. Yet very little theoretical information about grief has filtered down into mainstream knowledge, and what has is often misinterpreted.

Giving an accessible introduction to modern day grief theory, this book is the perfect guide to grief for the lay reader, or griever curious to how their grief works. Debunking commonly believed myths with information on how grief can vary from person to person, advice on communicating with the bereaved and details on the different kinds of grief, this book is an essential read for anyone working with the bereaved.

For all grief workers - practitioners, volunteers, friends and family - Caroline's narrative is a light to guide us through what can be the dark and confusing landscape of grief.
from the Foreword, Dr Jennifer Dayes, Counselling Psychologist
Caroline Lloyd is a bereavement researcher, facilitator and trainer. In addition to delivering training, Caroline's focus is on researching for a PhD in bereavement at Trinity College, Dublin. She is active on Twitter as @thegriefgeek, and blogs at thegriefgeek.com.
Caroline Lloyd has written a definitive guide to grief and grieving. By explaining the history of grief and the cultural and political impact on how we grieve, the book gives a useful social context for how we grieve today. Importantly the book also explains the origin of many of the myths surrounding the grieving process, creating a space for a far better understanding of the topic. Grief is not a definable process, nor is there a right and wrong way to grieve. There is no roadmap. However this book will help those who are grieving as well as the people who are supporting them understand how to navigate and communicate through grief and how to reach out to others.
Tracey Bleakley, CEO, Hospice UK