The Phoenix Phenomenon: Rising from the Ashes of Grief [Hardcover]

Joanne Jozefowski (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: August 1, 1999

This is a book of hope and promise about bereavement therapy. The Phoenix Grievers, ordinary people whose attributes enable them to transform and transcend their own grief, are used as models of the self-actualization that can result in the aftermath of an unbearable loss. Based on the experiences of these exceptional grievers, bereavement therapist Joanne Jozefowski offers guidelines on how to avoid hazards, adapt with healthy coping mechanisms, and eliminate unnecessary suffering. She provides a developmental model of the process of grief; identifies the phases of impact, chaos, adaptation, equilibrium and transformation; and offers phase-specific recommendations for the bereaved and their therapists.

A well-written and valuable resource for both grievers and the mental health professionals who help them, this book provides hope for transformational grief and the tools to forge that outcome.

Editorial Reviews

Review

This book offers us a highly compelling and credible account of the human capacity to grow from the adversity of grief. It maps a sophisticated journey that can lead us from our most searing losses into unusual strength of character and conviction previously unknown to us. Both poignant and practical, this clearly written book provides solid, compassionate company for grievers and helpers alike. (Gina O'Connell Higgins, Ed.D )

This book is like feeling the steady hand of a warm, compassionate friend who will walk with you through every step—all the way from surviving the agony of your loss, helping you cope, recovering, and eventually finding new meaning and purpose in your life. (Al Siebert, Ph.D. )

In recent years, there has been a change from understanding the ways that individuals cope with grief to seeing the ways that grief changes people. In this wonderful book, Jozefowski offers sage advice and inspiration to both counselors and grieving persons that will help them grow even in the midst of loss. (Kenneth Doka, Ph.D. )

This is an inspirational book for psychotherapists, physicians, clergy, and all of us who must learn to keep living when someone we love has died. Dr. Jozefowski teaches us that grief is not about letting go but making contact: with our loved one, emotions, self, community, values, and hopes. She and her patients show us that these connections can be transforming and, like the Phoenix, can permit one of our saddest moments to become an occasion for rebirth. (Nicholas A. Covino, Psy.D. )

About the Author

Joanne T. Jozefowski, Ph.D., R.N., C.S., is a psychotherapist who specializes in bereavement therapy. She is the founder of Counseling Affiliates, a group practice focusing on issues of loss and grief, and is an adjunct doctoral faculty member of The Union Institute, Cincinnati, Ohio

Product Details

• Hardcover: 262 pages
• Publisher: Jason Aronson, Inc.; Revised Edition edition (August 1, 1999)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0765702096
• ISBN-13: 978-0765702098
• Product Dimensions: 9.3 x 6.4 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.3 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,092,527 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars POWERFUL and informative, September 18, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Phoenix Phenomenon: Rising from the Ashes of Grief (Hardcover)

Quite possibly THE only book that deals with the survivors of grief and how they honor their loved ones with their lives. Written for both the grievers and therapist who work with them, this book adds more to the subject of loss, grief and healing than any other. I am a bereaved father who also lost my father and brother - this has been the only book that has come anywhere close to helping me understand what not only I, but other survivors go through. Thank God someone finally made it OKAY for us to lose a loved one and go on living ourselves! I highly recommend it to anyone who has lost a loved one. It should be manadatory reading for all mental health workers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The only positive book for understanding bereavement, September 16, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Phoenix Phenomenon: Rising from the Ashes of Grief (Hardcover)

As a bereaved mother and therapeutic leader of a loss/grief group, I highly recommend this book as the definitive source for understanding the grief process in a positive and uplifting manner. Dr. Jozefowski has intermingled real stories with her valuable therapeutic intervention to provide the reader with a wealth of comfort, reassurance and knowledge. Her easy flow writing style is noted in her uniquely creative and heartwarming parables which are included. This outstanding publication sets the standard for bereaved intervention which up til now has sorely needed a positive and forward thinking focus. Her Phoenix Grievers, whose stories we read about, earn our respect and admiration as we learn how they have turned their tragedies into positive situations which honor their lost loved ones, benefit others and in the process, help themselves to heal. This book should be the mandatory reading material in all medical and nursing colleges and highly recommended to anyone who has lost a loved one.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warm, compassionate guidance, October 15, 2004

By 

Lawrence A. Siebert "Al Siebert, Ph.D. author... (Portland, Oregon United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Phoenix Phenomenon: Rising from the Ashes of Grief (Hardcover)

This book is like feeling the steady hand of a warm, compassionate friend who will walk with you through every step-all the way from surviving the agony of your loss, helping you cope, recover, be resilient, and eventually find positive new meaning and purpose in your life. Is especially valuable for families and close friends of victims of the 9/11 terrorist attack, and those who have lost loved ones in the military.