Dr. Wolfelt was recently asked to share more information on the new editions of his Understanding Your Suicide Grief resources. See his answers below. Do you have a question for Dr. Wolfelt? Email us here!
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You are just releasing three new editions of your suicide loss books. Can you help us understand the decision to write new editions?
Since these books were initially released in 2009 I have learned so much in my efforts to support people that experience the grief of suicide loss. So, it was time to include that information. This is reflected in the fact that the main book, Understanding Your Suicide Grief, has 80 more pages than the original resource. What an honor that people have found my ten touchstone concept helpful as they navigate their grief.
What are some of the new content areas you added in these new editions?
As reflected in your question there are a number of new topics that I felt were important to include. Some examples in Understanding Your Suicide Grief include: Staying Aware of Activating Experiences, Dosing Your Pain, Pressure Cooker Phenomenon, Soulmate Grief, On Going Backward Before You Can Go Forward, Turning to Ceremony to Facilitate Mourning, and Mourning Carried Grief. I do believe these new content areas will be helpful to the reader and to those that use this resource in concert with my support group model.
Have you added content to the Understanding Your Suicide Grief Support Group Guide as well?
Yes, I expanded that in ways that provide the group leaders with valuable information on how to start and lead suicide bereavement support groups. Again, I think the new content will be of help in how to lead pre-screened groups that combine education with open-ended support. The group leader’s roles and responsibilities are explored in detail, including communication skills, trust building. the evolutionary phases of a successful group, and much more.
Many people have really appreciated your companion Understanding Your Suicide Grief Journal. Has that been updates as well?
Absolutely— it interfaces with the content of the main book and provides a framework for guided journaling. I think of the journal as a safe place of solace— somewhere the mourner can go to express oneself no matter what you are experiencing. It invites active, authentic mourning in ways that help integrate grief into one’s life and helps them come out of the dark and into the light.
I’m honored to have these new resources released and look forward to staying available to readers that have questions where I can be of additional support. Suicide loss is such an important topic. Helping those who experience loss is a true calling for me and I hope I’m making a difference in helping people mourn well so they can go on to live well and love well.
Find these new editions on our website here:
Understanding Your Suicide Grief – Second Edition
The Understanding Your Suicide Grief Journal – Second Edition
The Understanding Your Suicide Grief Support Group Guide – Second Edition
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Dr. Alan Wolfelt has been recognized as one of North America’s leading death educators and grief counselors. His books have sold more than a million copies worldwide and have been translated into many languages. Founder of the Center for Loss and Life Transition in Fort Collins, Colorado Dr. Wolfelt speaks on grief-related topics, offers trainings for caregivers, and has written many bestselling books and other resources on grief for both caregivers and grieving people. For more information visit www.centerforloss.com
