Seasons of Grief (book)

Seasons of Grief is a collection of creative ideas, exercises, journal prompts and approaches for processing grief. The book is edited and woven together by Grief Therapist and Thanatologist, Claudia Coenen. It is an honour to have helped shape the format of the book with inspiration from nature, and to have written chapters that sit alongside contributions from a number of other wonderful co-authors*.

The quiet letting go of Autumn, the reflective stillness of Winter, the bright rebirth of Spring, and the flourishing warmth of Summer trace the natural path of grief as it grows and changes to fit the spaces left behind by those we love. Easy-to-use exercise guides and activities invite readers to explore the changeable nature of grief through the ebb and flow of the seasons.

As well as contributions from diverse creative practitioners, poems from Dr. Robert Neimeyer and reflections from Claudia Coenen create a starting point to delve into the emotional context of each chapter, encouraging the reader to view each personal account and case study through the lens of a different phase of grief. This heart-centred, compassionate approach infuses bereavement therapy with much-needed warmth, supporting clinically-proven techniques to guide users towards practical, healthy ways of processing their loss.

The book is published (18th January 2024) by Jessica Kingsley Publishers and is available to purchase widely from independent book sellers and online through all major book retailers.

*Co-authors and contributors include Claudia Coenen, Robert Neimeyer, Louise Allen, Sharon Strouse, Sarah Vollmann, Catharine DeLong, Oceana Sawyer, Evie Lindemann, Heather Stang, Yon Walls, Deborah Koff-Chapin, Dorit Netzer, Elizabeth Coplan, Topaz Weis, Deborah Mesibov, Becky Sternal, Steven “Mud” Roues.