Traumatology of grieving

Book excerpt: First published in 1999. Those grieving the loss of a loved one who has died under traumatic circumstances form a special group of mourners. Separate from those going through "simple bereavement", these mourners must cope with a double-edged sword: the grief of the loss and the trauma of the knowledge of how the loved one may have had to endure traumatic stress during their final minutes of life. This ground-breaking new addition to the Series in Trauma and Loss will enable mental health professionals to distinguish between those who are going through the 'normal' grieving process in the aftermath of a traumatic event, and those who are suffering from post traumatic stress disorder. A by-product of years of research and experience, this book helps buttress the theoretical bridge between thanatology and traumatology. This text focuses on the unique features of death-related PTSD, its assessment, and treatment. With case examples that draw upon consistent concepts and definitions, and equal attention to scholarly and practical concerns, the book argues that traumatic elements must be worked through first before grief and loss accommodations are achieved. More importantly, the new research and treatment methods presented by the leading experts in the field provide professionals and laymen alike with a valuable guide for understanding and helping those who grieve a loss under traumatic circumstances. Divided into two parts, Part 1: Conceptual and Empirical Foundations attempts to lay the empirical and theoretical foundation for the treatment chapters that follow. Part 2: Applications provides direction for helping clients grieve their traumatic losses