Few of us know how to navigate the territory of traumatic loss successfully. Sweet Sorrow shows how we can respond and grow stronger from loss and suffering. Written by a psychologist and certified bereavement trauma specialist in the decade following the loss of her husband, father, mother, and only sibling, this carefully considered work provides perspective on grief and healing over time. This longer-term approach allows readers to have a more complete and accurate picture of the oscillations of grief over time. The book describes not only the immediate agony of the author's losses, but also the process of starting over and making a successful new life as a single person full of hope and joy. Sweet Sorrow combines the author's psychological expertise and clinical experience with the compelling art of memoir to illuminate the surprising ways in which loss survivors can grow and even thrive to achieve wholeness after heartbreaking, traumatic losses. Using findings from post-traumatic growth, as well as evidence-based psychological approaches, Sweet Sorrow illustrates through story and example, ways for grief survivors to start over, to manage chaos and stress, to let go, and to heal with new strategies and re-storying. Sweet Sorrow also provides resources and recommendations for self-care, as well as tips and suggestions for all of us trying to respond creatively and helpfully to those around us suffering loss. Ultimately, Sweet Sorrow is a book of inspiration intended to accompany readers through the processes of loss and grief much like a helpful Sherpa might guide a lost traveler.
Sherry Cormier, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and Professor Emerita in the Department of Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, and Counseling Psychology at West Virginia University. She was in private practice in adult psychotherapy in Morgantown WV. She was a former faculty member at the University of Tennessee. She is the author of two textbooks: Counseling Strategies and Interventions, now in its ninth edition and translated into several languages, and Interviewing and Change Strategies for Helpers, now in its eighth edition. She is a certified bereavement trauma specialist and resides in Annapolis, MD, where she engages in grief mentoring, speaking, and consulting in the areas of grief and loss, health and wellness, and stress management.
Chapter One: Introduction and Loss of the Fairy Tale Chapter Two: Sense of an Ending Chapter Three: The Veil of Illusion Chapter Four: The Transition and Aftermath Chapter Five: Manifestations of the Soul Following Death Chapter Six: Starting Over and Post-Traumatic Growth Chapter Seven: Turbulence and Change Chapter Eight: Letting Go and Facing Loss: Stress and Self-Care Chapter Nine: Coping with Loss: Grief Survivors Chapter Ten: Responding to Loss: Grief Helpers Chapter Eleven: Health, Healing, and Hope Chapter Twelve: Epilogue: Jay
Sweet Sorrow is an excellent book. Through a narrative approach, the book places an emphasis on the actual experience of the death of a loved one (husband). The author provides critical insight into the journey of death as experienced by a caretaker, in this case the spouse. The author speaks from 'the heart' and takes the reader through the journey of impending and then final loss. While the beginning of the book gives information about the unique challenges that the caregiver/ spouse faces, the end of the book is insightful in providing self-help information for the reader. -- Loretta Bradley, PhD, LPC, LMFT. NCC, Paul Whitfield Horn Professor, Texas Tech University, Former President of the American Counseling Association (ACA) Sweet Sorrow is an excellent book. Through a narrative approach, the book places an emphasis on the actual experience of the death of a loved one (husband). The author provides critical insight into the journey of death as experienced by a caretaker, in this case the spouse. The author speaks from 'the heart' and takes the reader through the journey of impending and then final loss. While the beginning of the book gives information about the unique challenges that the caregiver/ spouse faces, the end of the book is insightful in providing self-help information for the reader. -- John C. Norcross, PhD, ABPP, Distinguished Professor of Psychology, University of Scranton, and author of "Self-Help That Works" and "Changeology"
