Overview

Chronic Sorrow explores natural grief reactions to losses that are not final and continue to be present in the life of the griever. This second edition updates terminology, pertinent research, and the roles the concept of chronic sorrow has come to play in the nursing, medical, social work, pastoral, and community counseling professions, among others. This text also extends the concept’s usefulness to other ongoing losses that are bases for non-ending grief responses, such as serious disabilities. Benefits and social supports are explored in depth, giving readers a practical guide for accessing available resources. Chapters also give guidance for professionals to assist individuals and families who struggle with living with irremovable loss, helping them plan for a future in which customary caregivers can no longer carry the load.

Full Product Details

9781138230675

Table of Contents

Reviews

Susan Roos has written a comprehensive and important book regarding the little understood phenomenon of chronic sorrow. She has compiled reams of research and her own observations as a therapist into a detailed, analytical, pioneering work. Her experiences as a mother of two developmentally disabled daughters, one who died at the age of 3, seem to be the foundation and the cement for this work. Roos has crafted a volume that needs to be read by clinicians and medical professionals. ppIt is my hope that the author has plans to write another book geared specifically toward parents and caretakers experiencing other-loss. This book is appropriate for professionals...Undoubtedly, further research will be spurred by Roos's important addition to the field of grief and the concept of chronic sorrow. She has made an immense contribution to those experiencing self-loss and other loss, from which many will benefit. -- Debra Thompson, Death Studies, April 2003

In limber and literate prose, Susan Roos once again brings to light a form of grief that often is relegated to the shadows of professional recognition-the lingering anguish that attends living losses that lack the eventual resolution which may accompany bereavement. In the existential crucible presented by life with a disabling condition, a child with special needs, and chronic mental or physical illness or injury in oneself or another, we confront not only the harsh reality of irremediable circumstances, but also the ironic opportunity to embrace life wisely and passionately despite its sometimes daunting imperfections. Blending historical insight with contemporary research, and leavening both with personal knowledge and evident clinical acumen, Roos does much to broaden the scope of grief therapy, and to deepen our responsiveness as clinical professionals to those whose losses deserve to be named and claimed, rather than silenced. Robert A. Neimeyer, PhD, editor of Death Studies, and editor of Techniques of Grief Therapy: Assessment and Intervention The newest edition of the now classic Chronic Sorrow builds on the research and discussion generated by the first edition. Chronic Sorrowã offers vital insight into the ways that individualsã cope with ongoing loss, such as raising a child with disabilities. Susan Roos provides sage advice as well as resources to assist families and individuals in coping with what might seem impossible to endure. It reaffirms the human capacity for both sorrow and sacrifice. Kenneth J. Doka, PhD, professor, The Graduate School, The College of New Rochelle, senior consultant, The Hospice Foundation of America In Chronic Sorrow, Susan Roosã draws upon her sorrow, her research, her determination, her strength, and her wisdom to provide information and support about this painful experience.ã She also provides an overview of the current level of treatment, a view of research being done, and hope for the future. Her work is a remarkable contribution to those who are experiencing the pain of chronic sorrow and to those who are working in this field. Barry M. Panter, MD, founder and codirector of The American Institute of Medical Education, the Creativity and Madness Conference and the Women of Resilience Conference, clinical professor of psychiatry (emeritus), University of Southern California School of Medicine

Author Information

Susan Roos, PhD, is a psychotherapist who maintains a private practice with an emphasis on grief and loss. She is a past president of the Dallas Society for Psychoanalytic Psychology and currently serves on the arts committee. She is also a consultant to Trauma Support Services of North Texas and a Fellow in Thanatology of the Association for Death Education and Counseling.

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