Living Beyond Loss

Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD, directs the Portland Institute for Loss and Transition; actively practices as a trainer, consultant, and coach; and has published extensively on grieving as a meaning-making process

“Robert Neimeyer is a global authority on bereavement and grief. Living Beyond Loss is a treasure trove of stories told by people trying to navigate the painful labyrinth of bereavement. It offers guidance for those who are bereft, while modeling compassion and wisdom for those who try to help them find their way.”Harvey Max Chochinov, OC, OM, MD, PhD, FRCPC, FRSC, Distinguished Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Manitoba and author of Dignity in Care: The Human Side of Medicine“Living Beyond Loss is a wonderful resource written by an internationally recognized authority in the field. Readers will find sensitive suggestions, gentle guidance, and practical ideas to help grieving individuals navigate the most difficult aspects of grief and loss. This is truly a must-read book that explores important topics related to grief for clinicians, family, friends, and bereaved individuals themselves.”Darcy Harris, PhD, author of Principles and Practice of Grief Counseling“Robert Neimeyer's Living Beyond Loss: Questions and Answers About Grief and Bereavement is a wonderful contribution to the field and a great gift to those struggling with loss and grief. Here we have a well-recognized grief therapist and researcher answering poignant questions by both those who grieve and the professionals who support them. Bob offers wise answers in clear, simple, but always compassionate ways, lighting a path for living beyond loss.”Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, senior vice president at The Hospice Foundation of America and professor emeritus at The College of New Rochelle"For years, every Monday morning I’ve rushed to see Bob Neimeyer’s latest response to a challenging question about loss posed by a bereaved individual or a concerned caregiver in AfterTalk’s Ask Dr. Neimeyer column. Nowhere else have I ever seen such clinically and empirically informed information used to compassionately support and validate each questioner, succinctly frame each issue, and then provide not just perspective but specific guidance for how to therapeutically address it and cope most effectively. Inevitably, I would save each column for future reference, as his distillation of so much complex material into a brief answer would amaze me. Now, the combined wealth of Dr. Neimeyer’s wisdom, experience, and sensitivity is offered in one volume that focuses on challenging questions stemming from losses of all types of loved ones and all types of death, while also providing further guidance for professionals. As it elucidates complex notions about grief and makes specific self-help recommendations, this book will be an incomparable asset that personally speaks to the bereaved and informs those who care for them. It is a must have!"Therese A. Rando, PhD, BCETS, BCBT, The Institute for the Study and Treatment of Loss, Warwick, Rhode Island

• Part 1. Introduction1. Listening to the Bereaved2. How to Use this BookPart 2. Who We Lose3. Loss of a Husband4. Loss of a Wife5. Loss of a Partner or Close Relation6. Loss of a Parent7. Loss of a Child8. Loss of a Sibling9. Complicated RelationshipsPart 3. How We Lose10. Fatal Illness11. Fatal Accident12. Suicide and Overdose13. Homicide and Mass TragediesPart 4. Further Questions14. Practical and Philosophic Questions15. Questions from Professionals16. Training Resources for Professionals