Cognitive Grief Therapy: Constructing a Rational Meaning to Life Following Loss

by Ruth Malkinson Ph.D.

Overview

A therapeutic model for maintaining bonds while moving into the future.

In successful grief therapy, a healthy psyche copes with the stress of loss by maintaining high functioning in day-to-day life while constructing a positive inner relationship with the deceased. Ruth Malkinson shows professionals how to achieve these aims in the context of brief cognitive therapy with individuals, couples, and families.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780393704396
Publisher:	Norton, W. W. & Company, Inc.
Publication date:	05/17/2007
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	258
Product dimensions:	6.20(w) x 9.20(h) x 0.70(d)

About the Author

Ruth Malkinson, Ph.D., is a lecturer in social work at Tel Aviv University. She lives in Israel.

Table of Contents

Acknowledgments     ix
Introduction     1
The Theoretical Foundations of Cognitive Grief Therapy
The Two-Track Model of Bereavement: A Balanced Model   Simon S. Rubin, Ph.D.     23
Grief and Bereavement: Cognitive-Behavioral Psychotherapy     44
The Cognitive Model of Bereavement     63
Albert Ellis and the Model of REBT: The ABC Model of Psychotherapy     80
The Practice of Cognitive Grief Therapy
Assessment and Interventions     101
Constructing a New Meaning to Life: A Case Study     125
Complications in the Normal Course of Bereavement     143
Cognitive Intervention with Complicated Grief: "As if" Strategy and Letter Writing   Eliezer Witztum, M.D.     154
Cognitive Grief Therapy with Couples: Parental Grief over the Loss of a Child     176
Cognitive Grief Therapy with Families     189
Difficulties and Challenges for Therapists
Cognitive Models for Therapists Working with Grief: When Helpers Think "Irrationally"     213
References     225
Index     241

Editorial Reviews

"[A]n impressive contribution to the theoretical understanding of and clinical interventions with patients facing the task of coming to terms with traumatic loss….[W]e, as therapists, can now, in this book, enjoy the fruits of Malkinson’s long and rich experience with patients who lost their loved ones, [it] is a tribute to the author’s inner strength, humanity, deep understanding, and above all real care for other human beings who in their pain and suffering form a mirror in which we can, will and must see ourselves as well."

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Book Reviews

"Malkinson has made a good, and timely, contribution to the literature on this important issue."

Bereavement Care

"[A] superb look into grief theory and treatment….innovative….pioneering….I highly recommend this text."

Omega Journal of Death and Dying

"[A]n impressive contribution to the theoretical understanding of and clinical interventions with patients facing the task of coming to terms with traumatic loss….[W]e, as therapists, can now, in this book, enjoy the fruits of Malkinson’s long and rich experience with patients who lost their loved ones, [it] is a tribute to the author’s inner strength, humanity, deep understanding, and above all real care for other human beings who in their pain and suffering form a mirror in which we can, will and must see ourselves as well."— Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Book Reviews

"[A] superb look into grief theory and treatment….innovative….pioneering….I highly recommend this text."— Omega Journal of Death and Dying

"Malkinson has made a good, and timely, contribution to the literature on this important issue."— Bereavement Care

From the Publisher