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.
