Trauma and Grief Assessment and Intervention: Building on Strengths

by Renée Bradford Garcia, Elizabeth C. Pomeroy

Overview

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.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780429620751
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	08/18/2021
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	254
File size:	2 MB

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.

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

Editorial Reviews

Reviewer: Gary B Kaniuk, PsyD (Cermak Health Services)
Description: The book describes the issues involved in counseling individuals dealing with trauma and loss. It addresses theoretical issues, assessment, and intervention. It also explores grief work with children and practice concerns for the therapist.
Purpose: According to information on the back cover, "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." Those are very worthy objectives, which the book meets.
Audience: According to information on the back cover, the book "equips students with the knowledge and skills they need to work effectively with clients experiencing trauma and loss." The book meets the needs of this intended audience. The authors are credible authorities in the subject matter of the book. Renee Bradford Garcia is a licensed social worker in private practice with over 25 years of experience. She has co-authored other volumes on grief and discipline. Elizabeth C. Pomerory is a professor at the University of Texas, Austin. She is interested in mental health interventions with children, adults, and families. Dr. Pomeroy has published four books and co-authored three.
Features: The book begins with an introduction to grief and loss. Everyone experiences loss, which can affect both internal and external functioning. A strengths-based approach explores the coping skills people have to deal with various stressors. Mourning is a time when people can utilize current psychological resources or develop new strategies. Complex grief/mourning occurs when the bereaved is unable to move forward after the normal grieving process. The therapist must establish a positive working relationship with the client before the grief work can begin. This trauma-informed care is a collaborative experience that empowers the survivor. There are various responses to grief, and the clinician must be aware of any cultural issues related to death that their clients may have. Children also experience the grieving process when a loved one dies, though it may be different than adults. Older adults typically have multiple losses, along with social isolation. Persons who are developmentally disabled may have complex grief reactions. Clinicians should be aware of vicarious trauma responses if they have a number of bereaved clients. They must focus on self-awareness and self-care. The book is easy to read and contains figures, tables, and boxes, which help clarify the text. Many of the chapters have case vignettes, which are extremely enlightening.
Assessment: This book is excellent because it addresses grief/trauma with theoretical considerations, assessment, and intervention methods. The case studies are outstanding and show how theory is applied with patients. Instructors can find valuable information for teaching this material on the website, and students will benefit greatly.

Doody's Review Service

"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

From the Publisher