Non-Death Loss and Grief

Non-Death Loss and Grief offers an inclusive perspective on loss and grief, exploring recent research, clinical applications, and current thinking on non-death losses and the unique features of the grieving process that accompany them. The book places an overarching focus on the losses that we encounter in everyday life, and the role of these loss experiences in shaping us as we continue living. A main emphasis is the importance of having words to accurately express these 'living losses', such as loss of communication with a loved one due to disease or trauma, which are often not acknowledged for the depth of their impact. Chapters showcase a wide range of contributions from international leaders in the field and explore individual perspectives on loss as well as experiences that are more interpersonal and sociopolitical in nature. Illustrated by case studies and clinical examples throughout, this is a highly relevant text for clinicians looking to enhance their support of those living with ongoing loss and grief.

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.

1. Non-Death Loss and Grief: Laying the Foundation Part One: The Social Context of Loss and Grief 2. Disenfranchised Grief and Non-Death Losses 3. Social Death 4. Discrimination, Oppression, and Loss 5. Mourning in Trump's America: An Existential Account of Political Grief Part Two: Understanding and Treating the Unresolved Grief of Ambiguous Loss 6. Losses of Birth Mothers in the Adoption Triad 7. Living in a Liminal Space: The Experience of Caring for a Spouse with Alzheimer's Disease 8. Grief and Loss in Addictions 9. Ambiguous Loss in Coming Out and Trans*itioning 10. Supporting the Families of Missing People: More Than an Investigation Part Three: Nonfinite Loss: Living with Ongoing Loss and Grief 11. Nonfinite and Cumulative Loss in Foster Care 12. The Loss of Loneliness in Emerging Adults 13. Families and Children's Experiences of Loss in the Family Justice System Rachel Birnbaum 14. Midlife Children Caring for Their Aging Parents Part Four: Chronic Sorrow 15. Parenting a Child with a Serious Disability 16. Environmental Grief 17. Grief and Mental Illness Part Five: Tangible and Intangible Losses 18. The Threshold of Shattered Dreams 19. Sexual Assault, Loss, and the Journey to Justice 20. Loss and Forced Displacement 21. Loss of Love: When the Relationship is What Dies Part Six: Pulling It All Together: Change, Loss, and Transition 22. Where's the Grief in Non-Death Loss Research? 23. Supporting People Through Living Losses 24. Meaning-Making After Non-Death Losses