A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love
From mass tragedies like suicide bombings to sensationalized crimes that make the news only to be replaced by yet another victim, more families and friends are left with the aftermath of dealing with the violent death of a loved one. Violent death (including death by vehicular homicide and drunk drivers, suicide, and drug overdose) brings its own special brand of grieving: Victim's families can spend years dealing with the legal ramifications, guilt, and myriad other unique circumstances.Kathleen O'Hara knows both sides of this coin: As a therapist, she has counseled hundreds of people in dealing with grief; as a mother, she saw her worst fears realized when her college-age son was brutally murdered. In the aftermath of Aaron's death, O'Hara developed the seven-stage journey that is at the heart ofA Grief Like No Other. O'Hara offers concrete, practical steps and stages for those who are left behind in the aftermath of violence, allowing family and friends safe passage through this harrowing journey.Praise for A Grief Like No Other:"A book of comfort for losses that seem unfathomable, a hug of hope along a journey that seems impossible, a map of what lies ahead from a kindred spirit who knows every twist in the path." --Rachel Simon, author ofRiding the Bus with my Sister"Kathleen O’Hara’s telling of her own story forms a pathway of healing for herself and a guide to the difficult journey that must be traveled by anyone who suffers the trauma of a violent loss.A Grief Like No Othershould be required reading for victim service providers, therapists, and all those who can only imagine what it must be like to experience traumatic loss. A valuable and important resource for victims and survivors." —Linda Burkett, Victim Witness Coordinator, Office of Victim-Witness Advocacy, Camden County, New Jersey"A Grief Like No Otheris a landmark contribution to the field and should be read by all therapists and those touched by the violent loss of someone in their lives. This remarkable, beautifully written, yet practical guide evolved out of Kathleen’s own horrendous loss of her son and her unremitting quest for knowledge, spirituality and transformation. She has transformed the unbearable pain in her life to understanding and peace and offers it to us who are searching for answers—and healing." --Dr. Bonnie Kellen, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist, New York, New York