In the Presence of Grief: Helping Family Members Resolve Death, Dying, and Bereavement Issues

Illuminating the impact of loss and grief on our psychological and emotional lives, this book provides vital guidance to ease painful transitions and facilitate healing. The author emphasizes that dealing with the death of a loved one involves more than picking up the pieces and moving on: rather, healing is an ongoing journey on which grief is a constant companion. For those in a supportive role, the focus is on helping the bereaved to navigate the grieving process and, ultimately, to reclaim joy as well as sadness as an integral part of life. Filled with personal narratives and examples, the book demonstrates effective ways to help survivors cope with commonly experienced issues, problems, and concerns.

Dorothy S. Becvar, PhD, until her death in 2021, was a therapist, teacher, and trainer based in St. Louis, Missouri. She cofounded and directed the St. Louis Family Institute and later The Haelan Centers, a not-for-profit organization dedicated to promoting the growth and wholeness of clients in body, mind, and spirit. Dr. Becvar published extensively and presented workshops and courses nationally and internationally on a wide variety of topics. She has served on the faculties of the University of Missouri–St. Louis, St. Louis University, Texas Tech University, Washington University, and Radford University.