A Psychoeducational Approach

By Elizabeth J. Bruce, Ph.D., & Cynthia L. Schultz, Ph.D.

This parent is experiencing nonfinite loss — grief that is ongoing and changing as life continually falls short of expectations. Throughout this groundbreaking volume, you'll explore the leading theories on loss and discover how the grieving and therapeutic processes for dealing with nonfinite loss (e.g. disability, chronic illness) differ from finite loss (e.g. death). You'll learn how to direct therapy with your clients who are experiencing nonfinite loss as the authors outline 14 therapeutic principles that achieve the objectives of nonfinite loss therapy — including preserving identity and restoring control.

Composed from real-life case studies, you'll also get an inside look at the grieving of eight individuals experiencing nonfinite loss, and be shown how the suggested therapeutic techniques work. Order today and discover how to build your clients competence to become more emotionally resilient — to acknowledge and legitimize their feelings and adapt to nonfinite loss.

Section I: The Nonfinite Factor in Loss and Grief

1. An Introduction to Nonfinite Loss and Grief
   
   
2. Nonfinite Loss and Traditional Theoretical Perspectives on Grief
   
   
3. Loss and Grief as Counterparts
   

Section II: Biography, Loss, and Grieving

4. The Foundations of Our Expectations
   
   
5. Forming Expectations and Their Place in Loss
   
   
6. The Role of Messages and the Development of Knots
   

Section III: Fear and Dread: Origins and Role in Nonfinite Loss

7. Fear, Anxiety, and Dread
   
   
8. Dreaded Events: Public Reputation
   
   
9. Dreaded Events: Private Reputation
   

Section IV: Complexities in Grieving Nonfinite Loss

10. Cognitive Development, Identity Formation, and Griefwork
    
    
11. Characteristics and Impact of Threat
    
    
12. Grieving a Chameleon
    
    
13. Characteristic Cycles of Nonfinite Grief
    

Section V: Principles and Clinical Applications

14. The Development of Clients as Strategists
    
    
15. Principles for Facilitating the Grieving Process
    
    
16. Case Studies in Nonfinite Loss

References
Index