Talking With Bereaved People ─ An Approach for STructured and Sensitive Communication

For counselors, social workers, voluntary bereavement agencies, church pastoral teams, hospice and hospital staff, and others engaging in conversations with the bereaved, Graves, a counselor and bereavement service coordinator in the UK, details methods for talking with bereaved people in individual or group settings. She outlines six elements of a conversation, and suggested techniques and activities to help the person express and explore their grief. She does not directly address bereaved children or people with learning disabilities. Annotation c2010 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

Dodie Graves has over 15 years' experience as a counsellor. She is currently a bereavement service co-ordinator for a hospice in the West Midlands, recruiting, training and supervising a team of voluntary bereavement visitors in active listening skills and bereavement issues.