Grief as a Family Process: A Developmental Approach to Clinical Practice [Hardcover]

Ester R. Shapiro (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 0898621968 | ISBN-13: 978-0898621969 | Publication Date: August 5, 1994 | Edition: 1

This volume extends and integrates approaches such as developmental psychology, psychoanalytic and family systems theory, and cultural anthropology into a systemic developmental model that emphasizes ways grief can enhance the emotional growth of the family system. The model presented here views grief as a natural process through which a therapist can help families live, and even grow. Using examples from a wide variety of cultural traditions, this book argues for an attachment to, instead of detachment from, the deceased family member to sustain and enhance family development. This book is indispensable to any helping professional who works with grieving families, including psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, family therapists, physicians, nurses, hospice and patient home workers, clergypeople, and many others. It also serves as a text in courses on bereavement, family development, family and child therapy, and developmental psychopathology.

Editorial Reviews

Review

"...Shapiro presents a sound, well-researched, and well-structured treatment of a difficult topic. Her generous use of case examples enlivens and clarifies her presentation, and the topic headings used throughout the book make it a valuable resource. In my practice, I have seen many families dealing with grief.. I now feel that I can do a better job helping these families by using the ideas Shapiro explores." --Jim Stafford, University of Mississippi, Families in Society

"...Whatever their theoretical perspectives, readers will find useful this introduction to an integrative, adaptive model of grief...The writing is well organized, and is rich with both case material and pertinent research findings from bereavement and trauma literature...Readers will profit from insight into grief as a family life cycle transition requiring transformation of enduring relational bonds...The author handles this difficult subject with understanding and compassion." --S. Dale White, M. Div., MSSW, Florida State University, American Journal of Family Therapy

"Bereaved families have been neglected and isolated by our society's denial of death and discomfort with loss. Ester Shapiro weaves together family, developmental, and systemic perspectives into a useful conceptual framework to enable clinicians and grief counselors to better understand family bereavement processes. Highly recommended for professional training and practice to help families master the challenges of loss." --Froma Walsh, Ph.D.

"Anyone who reads this compelling book--and every individual and family mental health practitioner should--will greatly expand her or his understanding of the profound reverberations of death and bereavement. It brilliantly manages a seminal conceptual integration of three crucial perspectives--family systems, developmental, and sociocultural--with a tone so evocative and illustrations so rich that the reader can resonate with the emotions of grief and mourning and gain insight into what the author so aptly describes as the need to create new relationships with the dead. A truly excellent accomplishment." --Celia Jaes Falicov, Ph.D.

"This book is, quite simply, one of the best books in the field that I have read in years....A moving and profound book, filled with both pain and triumph, and most of all characterized by that rarest of qualities--wisdom. This is a much needed book on a topic too readily avoided. Every clinician will find it an enormously valuable aid not just to working with grief and bereavement but as a model of how the sensitive clinician is attuned to individual and cultural particularities. I have rarely if ever seen a more effective synthesis of sociocultural considerations and the insights of depth psychology. A real gem!" --Paul L. Wachtel, Ph.D.

"Ester Shapiro writes powerfully with penetrating insight and practical advice that will afford both understanding and solace to many grieving hearts." --Earl A. Grollman, D.D., author of Living When A Loved One Has Died

About the Author

Ester R. Shapiro, Ph.D., is Assistant Professor in Psychology at the University of Massachusetts, Boston, and Research Associate at the Mauricio Gaston Institute for Latino Public Policy and Community Development. A Practicum Coordinator for the University of Massachusetts, Boston Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program, which trains students to conduct research and practice from multi-cultural and social developmental perspectives, she is coeditor of a book on psychoanalytic education and author of numerous papers on individual and family development. Dr. Shapiro has collaborated in founding interdisciplinary clinical training programs in psychoanalysis, family therapy, grief therapy, and culturally competent therapy. Her clinical practice, supervision, and public health consultations apply a social developmental and problem prevention approach to work with children, parents and families.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Hardcover: 307 pages
• Publisher: Guilford Press; 1 edition (August 5, 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0898621968
• ISBN-13: 978-0898621969
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 6.3 x 1.2 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.4 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,130,776 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Discover books, learn about writers, read author blogs, and more.