Trauma and Grief Assessment and Intervention: Building on Strengths

With clarity and eloquence, Trauma and Grief Assessment and Intervention comprehensively captures the nuance and complexity involved in counseling bereaved and traumatically bereaved persons in all stages of the life cycle. Integrating the various models of grief with the authors’ strengths-based framework of grief and loss, chapters combine the latest research in evidence-based practice with expertise derived from years of psychotherapy with grieving individuals. The book walks readers through the main theories of grief counseling, from rapport building to assessment to intervention. Each chapter concludes with lengthy case scenarios that closely resemble actual counseling sessions to help readers apply their understanding of the chapter’s content. In the support material on the book’s website, instructors will find a sample syllabus, PowerPoint slides, and lists of resources that can be used as student assignments or to enhance classroom learning. Trauma and Grief Assessment and Intervention equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to work effectively with clients experiencing trauma and loss.

Table of Contents:
1. Understanding Grief and Loss – An Introduction 2. Grief and Trauma: A Complex Convergence 3. Expected and Traumatic Grief Interviewing and Assessment: Using the Strengths-Based Framework of Grief and Loss 4. Expected and Traumatic Grief in Adults 5. Expected and Traumatic Grief in Children and Adolescents 6. Expected and Traumatic Grief in Older Adults 7. Grief Reactions and Special Populations 8. Practice Implications for the Professional

About the Author :
Renée Bradford Garcia has over 25 years of experience providing psychotherapy to children, adolescents, and adults. Her specialties include loss, trauma, anxiety, and depression as well as leadership and organizational development. Elizabeth C. Pomeroy is notable for her distinguished teaching and her prolific research on the effectiveness of mental health interventions for adults, children, and families.

Review :
"Trauma and Grief Assessment and Intervention is a vital tool for integrating theory and practice. The diverse case scenarios give students the opportunity to hone their assessment skills while developing a thorough understanding of factors that impact the grief process. Using a strengths-based and trauma-informed lens that emphasizes cultural humility in practice, this book effectively prepares students for working with bereaved individuals." — Erin Spalding, LCSW-S, program director, The Christi Center "In Trauma and Grief Assessment and Intervention Garcia and Pomeroy have created an invaluable tool for those of us who work with people grieving the death of a loved one. It’s like a field guide for navigating the wilderness of grief, including the vicarious trauma that healthcare and bereavement professionals often experience. The authors weave thorough research and vast clinical experience into helpful case studies so that the reader discovers previously hidden pathways towards wholeness for the people they work with as well as for themselves. Highly recommended for social workers, chaplains, and bereavement professionals alike." — Rev. Nancy Chester McCranie, M.Div, director of Volunteer and Bereavement Services for Hospice Austin "I strongly endorse Trauma and Grief Assessment and Intervention. It is a must for anyone teaching or interested in grief and loss. Engaging and interactive in its strengths-based approach, this timely and culturally sensitive text effectively prepares students and professionals to work with clients struggling with a wide variety of grief related issues." — Diane G. Sherman, PhD, MSW, professor of social work at Florida Atlantic University