The American Hospice Foundation has a great reading list by Helen Fitzgerald about books on grief. All types of grief and audiences are included on the reading list — for the professional, when a family member is seriously ill, general grief, loss of a spouse, etc. The full list is copied below.
Robin
——————————
Helen’s Helpful Reading List
For The Professional
Guiding Your Child Through Grief Emswiler, James and Emswiler, Mary Ann. Bantam, 2000.
The authors are founders and directors of The Cove, a program for grieving children and their families, and of the New England Center for Loss & Transition. The book is practical, compassionate, and down-to-earth. It helps families deal with the initial shock; identify typical reactions in age groups; and achieve the “three goals” of family grieving: reestablishing stability, acknowledging the experience of loss individually and collectivelly, and supporting each member in his or her efforts to start growing again.
Psychosocial Care of the Dying Patient Garfield, Charles A. New York: McGraw- Hill, 1978.
A collection of articles addressing the many aspects of working with a dying patient and the grief they experience.
Helping Children Cope with the Death of a Parent: A Guide for the First Year (Contemporary Psychology) Greenwall, Lewis, Paddy. Praeger Publishers, 2004.
A helpful and carefully prepared book based on the author’s many years of working with children and bereavement. It explores how children from infancy through eighteen perceive and react to death, and how adults can guide and support them.
Healing Children’s Grief: Surviving a Parent’s Death from Cancer Hyslop Christ, Grace. Oxford University Press, 2000.
The author examines how children aged 3 to 17 cope with terminal cancer and subsequent death of one of their parents. The first section gives a summary of the literature on this topic and the second section makes use of extensive examples to present findings for five groups.
When Professionals Weep: Emotional and Countertransference Responses in End-of-Life Care (Series in Death, Dying, and Bereavement) Johnson, Therese and katz, Renee. Brunner-Routledge, 2006.
The authors address the issues surrounding the blending of personal and professional in context of end-of-life care. Topics include spirituality, assisted suicide, the influence of culture and ethnicity, and working with survivors.
Coping with Physical Illness Volume 2 : New Perspectives (Plenum Series on Stress & Coping) Moos, Rudolf. New York: Plenum Medical Book Company, l977.
This book discusses how people cope with serious illness and injury. A conceptual model for understanding the process of coping with illness. Basic adaptive tasks and types of coping skills are identified. An excellent reference for a wide range of physical illnesses.
Remembering: Providing Support for Children Aged 7 to 13 Who Have Experienced Loss and Bereavement (Lucky Duck Books) Nelson, Lorna patricia and Rae, Tina. Paul Chapman Educational Publishing; Book and CD edition, September 2004.
An easy-to-read book with worksheets that helps children acknowledge the experience of loss, allow the expression of pain, fear and sadness, present the process as a shared experience, encourage communication and facilitate recovery.
Grief, Dying, and Death: Clinical Interventions for Caregivers Rando, Therese A. Champaign, IL: Research Press Co., l984.
Treatment of Complicated Mourning Rando, Therese A. Champaign, IL.: Research Press Co., 1993.
A must for any professional working in the field of bereavement.
Surviving : When Someone You Love Was Murdered : A Professional’s Guide to Group Grief Therapy for Families and Friends of Murder Victims Redmond, Lula Moshoures. Clearwater, FL: Psychological Consultation & Education Services, Inc., 1989.
A professional’s guide to group grief therapy for families and friends of murder victims.
But I Didn’t Say Goodbye : For parents and professionals helping child suicide survivors Rubel, Barbara. Griefwork Center, 2001.
This book is for the professional or parent trying to help children in the aftermath of suicide. A good list of resources is available at the end of the book.
Talking with Children About Loss Trozzi, Maria. Perigee Trade, 1999.
The author discusses how children perceive and interpret events such as death, disability, and divorce. She explores children’s fears and fantasies and includes age-appropriate responses to children’s questions and concerns, as well as talking to children about long-term illness, suicide, and family or community tragedy.
Handbook of Bereavement: Theory, Research, and Intervention Stroebe, Margaret S, Stroebe, Wolfgang, hansson, Robert. Cambridge University Press, 1993.
Detailed coverage is given to the phenomenology of grief, distinctions between normal and pathological grief, and measurement and assessment techniques. Current theories are reviewed and underlying physiological mechanisms are surveyed, which help explain why the bereaved are highly vulnerable to ill health.
Companioning the Bereaved: A Soulful Guide for Counselors & Caregivers Wolfet, Alan. Companion Press, 2005.
In this guide, Dr. Wolfet redefines the role of grief counselor. His model for “companioning” the bereaved encourages counselors and other caregivers to aspire to a more compassionate philosophy. With this model the caregiver learns to support mourners and help them help themselves heal.
Children and Grief: When a Parent Dies Worden, William J. Guilford press, 2001.
A practical, instructive, concise and sensible guide for any caregiver supporting a grieving child.
Grief Counseling and Grief Therapy, Fourth Edition: A Handbook for the Mental Health Practitioner Worden, William J. Springer Publishing Company, 2001.
Dr. Worden presents his most recent thinking on bereavement drawn for extensive research, clinical work, and the best of the new literature. A must for anyone working with bereavement. An excellent handbook for the mental health practitioner.
When a Family Member Is Seriously Ill
Coming Home: A Practical and Compassionate Guide to Caring for a Dying Loved One Duda, Deborah New York: John Muir Publications, Inc., l984.
A guide to home care for the terminally ill.
The Road Back to Health: Coping with the Emotional Aspects of Cancer Fiore, Neil A. Berkeley, CA: Celestial Arts, 1990.
Dr. Fiore uses his personal experience with cancer to guide patients and their families through the psychological and emotional consequences of cancer and its treatment.
Cancer and Hope Garrison, Judith Garrett, and Shepherd, Scott. Minneapolis: Compcare Publishers, l989.
Provides the cancer patient and family members with a resource when they feel most isolated. An excellent “how to survive” book.
Until tomorrow comes Kelly, Orville E. New York: Everest House, 1979.
The late Mr. Kelly was the author of Make Today Count and the founder of a nationally known organization by the same name. This book is for the cancer patient and his/her family. Many resources included.
In Sickness and in Health: One Woman’s Story of Love, Loss, and Healing Lynch, Gail. Fairview Press, 2002.
The author addresses her journey in a straightforward narrative. The book explains a person’s grief and the feelings are raw and real, though it also helps readers realize that people do survive pain.
When Someone You Know Has Aids Martelli, Leonard J., Messina, William, and Peltz, Fran D. New York: Crown Publishers, Inc., 1987.
A practical guide for both the professional and family where a loved one has AIDS.
General Grief
Chicken Soup for the Grieving Soul: Stories About Life, Death and Overcoming the Loss of a Loved One (Chicken Soup for the Soul) Canfield, Jack and hansen, Mark Victor.
A collection of inspirational stories written by authors who have lost loved ones. The vignettes offer comfort, peace and understanding to those who are grieving.
Living With Grief: After Sudden Loss Suicide, Homicide, Accident, Heart Attack, Stroke Doka, Kenneth. Taylor & Francis, 1996.
The author examines the subject of abrupt, unexpected death and its effects and implications for survivors. Topics include: after a heart attack or stroke, survivors of suicide, complicated grief in the military, and grief counseling for survivors of traumatic loss.
Mourning Handbook: A Complete Guide for the Bereaved Fitzgerald, Helen. New York: Simon & Schuster, 1994.
A comprehensive resource for practical and compassionate advice on coping with all aspects of death and dying.
When a Man Faces Grief / A Man You Know Is Grieving Golden, Thomas.
The author, a clergyman, grief counselor and writer provides 12 practical suggestions for men who are grieving, along with 12 practical suggestions for those who want to understand and help men who are grieving.
Living When a Loved One Has Died: Revised Edition Grollman, Earl A. Boston: Beacon Press, 1977.
A book about feelings after the death of a loved one. It is easy to read and to understand during the confusion of bereavement.
Up from Grief: Patterns of Recovery Kries, Bernadine and Pattie, Alice. New York: The Seabury Press, l969.
Describes the various stages of grief from the authors’ own experiences and those of 300 persons interviewed. Reassuring and educational.
When Bad Things Happen to Good People Kushner, Harold. New York: Schocken Books, l981.
Helps to understand where God fits into your life following a tragedy.
Seven Choices: Finding Daylight after Loss Shatters Your World Neeld, Elizabeth Harper. New York: Clarkson N. Potter, inc., 1990.
Informative book on general grief, pointing out you have choices along the way.
A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love O’Hara, Kathleen. Da Capo Press, 2006.
The book explores violent deaths including suicide, drug overdose, and death by vehicular homicide and drunk drivers. The intense feelings related to guilt, anger, and legal ramifications are explored.
Living through Mourning Schiff, Harriet Sarnoff. New York: Viking, 1986.
This book by the author of The Bereaved Parent helps one find comfort and hope when a loved one dies. An excellent guide through grief, looking at the different paths people take. Comprehensive.
How To Go On Living When Someone You Love Dies Rando, Therese A. New York: Bantam Books, 1988.
In this compassionate, comprehensive guide, Dr. Rando leads the reader gently through the painful process of grieving.
Hope For Bereaved: Understanding, Coping and Growing Through Grief Schoeneck, Therese S.
This book must be ordered: Hope For Bereaved, 1342 Lancaster Avenue, Syracuse, New York 13210. Cost is about $11.00 plus $2.50 for postage. A handbook of helpful articles for all kinds of grief situations. A very practical, “how to” book.
Rainbows and Rain: Finding Comfort In Times of Loss Waterfall, Peggy. Surge Publishing, 2005.
Readers learn that it is possible to find joy again, but they must first learn how to grieve. Readers will also learn that many are unequipped to express to others what they are experiencing and often find themselves at a loss to adequately convey their feelings. Patience is the first step.
Loss of a Spouse
A Handbook for Widowers Ames, Ed. Centering Corporation, 2004.
Talks to men openly and honestly about tears, guilt, feelings of anger, depression, isolation and loneliness. The author also explores the survivor’s health, job, money matters, living alone, and what to do with a wife’s belongings.
On Your Own, 5th Edition: A Widow’s Passage to Emotional and Financial Well-Being Armstrong, Alexandra (Ed.) and Donahue, Mary R.(Ed.) Chicago, IL: Dearborn Financial Publishing, Inc. 1993.
Excellent book for the widowed’s passage to emotional and financial well-being.
Getting A Grip On Grief: A Handbook for Widowers Bickford, Margaret. Author House, 2006.
A candid, specific and user friendly guide to help widowers live through the death of their wives. The book explores the time before the death, such as a terminal illness, as well as after the death, the funeral and beyond to rebuilding a life without the spouse.
The Year of Magical Thinking Didion, Joan. New York: Random House, 2005.
A woman’s personal story after the loss of her husband.
Why Her Why Now Elmer, Lou. New York: Bantam Books, 1987.
A man’s journey through love and death and grief.
Finding Your Way After Your Spouse Dies Felber, Marta. Ave Maria Press, 2000.
This book is best for an older widow and consists of two page reflections, advice, a suggested prayer, and related scripture on a series of topics that very roughly reflects the grieving process.
When You’ve Become A Widow – A Compassionate Guide to Rebuilding Your Life Ginsburg, Genevieve Davis. Los Angeles: Jeremy P. Tarcher, Inc. 1987.
A compassionate guide to rebuilding your life.
Swallowed by a Snake: The Gift of the Masculine Side of Healing Golden, Thomas. Golden Healing Publishing, LLC; 2nd edition, 2000.
This book is for men and women about the masculine side of healing from loss. It explores how genders differ in their healing, how to garner a greater understanding between partners, and new ways to understand grief.
Widower Kohn, Jane Burgess and Kohn, Willard K. Boston: Beacon Press, l978.
A book written especially with the man in mind. It looks at what the widower faces, what he feels and what he needs.
Alone and Surviving Lindsay, Rae. New York: Walker and Company, l977.
This book emphasizes the problems of widows from ages 35 to 55 who often are faced with financial problems, coping with the day-to-day struggle of raising children, paying off the mortgage, meeting the professional challenges of finding a fulfilling job, and the abrupt and traumatic business of getting back into the “single scene.” A general guide for the widowed.
Survival Handbook for Widows and for Relatives and Friends Who Want to Understand Loewinshohn, Ruth Jean. Chicago: Follett Publishing Company, 1979.
This book explores what is known about a woman’s reaction to the death of a husband and offers practical as well as emotional support. It provides hope following one of the most traumatic human experiences.
Starting over: Help for Young Widows and Widowers Nudel, Adele Rice. New York: Dodd, Mead & Co., 1986.
Help for the young widow and widower.
Suicide
After Suicide Loss: Coping with Your Grief Baugher Ph.D., Bob and Jordan, Ph.D., Jack.Sturbridge Group, 2002.
The authors are two experienced grief counselors. The book is organized chronologically and is designed to provide support and information through the first few days, weeks, months, and years after a suicide death.
My Son . . . My Son . . .: A Guide to Healing After Death, Loss, or Suicide Bolton, Iris. Atlanta, GA: Bolton Press, l983.
Written by a mother after her son’s suicide, this book has been helpful with other types of suicide deaths as well.
Dying to Be Free: A Healing Guide for Families After a Suicide Cobain, Beverly and Larch, Jean. Hazelden, 2006.
This book helps teach readers how to transform suffering into strength, misconceptions into understanding, and shame into dignity. There is a chapter about the “suicidal mind”which can help families not only comprehend their loved ones pain prior to suicide, but also understand why such desperation is so difficult to recognize.
The Urge to Die Why Young People Commit Suicide Giovacchini, Peter. New York: MacMillan Publishing Company, l981.
A look into the “whys” when young people think of and commit suicide.
After Suicide (Christian Care Books) Hewett, John H. Philadelphia: The Westminster Press, l980.
Probably the best book on suicide bereavement. Speaks to the emotional reactions of this most difficult death.
Do They Have Bad Days in Heaven? Surviving the Suicide Loss of a Sibling Linn-Gust, Michelle. Keningston Publishing Corporation, 2003.
A practical guide to help sibling suicide survivors help themselves. The book helps survivors, parents, teachers, counselors and friends understand the grief process that sibling survivors endure.
After Suicide: A Ray Of Hope For Those Left Behind Ross, Eleanora. Da Capo Press, 2002.
The author’s husband completed suicide and she takes the reader beyond the silence and shame associated with suicide and shatters some of the most pervasive myths surrounding this tragedy. The author reflects on a culmination of 25 years of professional experience and her personal story. She touches on topics such as addiction, abuse, neglect, and depression, as well as self-examination, spirituality and personal growth.
Mom I’m All Right Kathleen Sandefer, l990.
A mother’s story about the suicide death of her fourteen year old son and a must for any parent who has a child on some type of long-term prescribed medication.
Healing After the Suicide of a Loved One Smolin, Ann, and Guinan, John. New York: Fireside, l993.
An informative book that will provide suicide survivors with new insights into the emotional responses they may be experiencing following the self-inflicted death of a loved one.
Before Their Time: Adult Children’s Experiences of Parental Suicide Stimming, Mary. Temple University Press, 1999.
The book offers the perspectives of sons and daughters on the the deaths of mothers and fathers. In another section four siblings reflect on the shared loss of their mothers. Topics including the impact of parent’s suicide on adult children’s persona and professional choices, marriages and parenting, and sibling and surviving parent relationships are explored.
An Empty Chair: Living in the Wake of a Sibling’s Suicide Swan-Miller, Sara. Writers Club Press, 2000.
Sibling relationships are complex, and after a suicide feelings run the gamut and they are often intermixed. Some reactions can also seem shameful or inappropriate. Includes moving accounts of other sibling survivors.
Children
When Dinosaurs Die: A Guide to Understanding Death (Dino Life Guides for Families) Brown, Laurie Krasney and Brown, Marc. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1996.
A book to read to a pre-school child on all aspects of death.
The Dead Bird Brown, Margaret Wise. Reading, MA: Addison-Wesley Publishing Co., 1938.
An excellent picture book to read to pre-school children to introduce them to the concept of funerals and burials.
My Grandpa Died Today Fassler, Joan. New York: Human Sciences Press, l971.
A book about the love shared by a young boy and his grandfather.
The Grieving Child: A Parent’s Guide Fitzgerald, Helen. New York: Fireside. 1992.
Organized like a book on infant care with detailed cross references. This book provides practical advice for surviving parents and others charged with the care of grieving children. For the parents of grieving children as well as adults with unresolved childhood grief.
Life and Loss: A Guide to Help Grieving Children Goldman, Linda. Muncie, IN: Accelerated Development, Inc., 1994.
An easy-to-read, workbook approach to help grieving children.
Bart Speaks Out: Breaking the Silence on Suicide Los Angeles: Western Psychological Services, 1998.
A book set up in interactive, workbook style to help young children understand and cope with a suicide.
Breaking the Silence: A Guide to Helping Children with Complicated Grief – Suicide, Homicide, AIDS, Violence and Abuse (Travel Guides) Washington, D.C.: Accelerated Development, Inc., 1996.
A book for parents and professionals to use in helping children deal with complicated grief.
Straight Talk about Death for Teenagers: How to Cope with Losing Someone You Love Grollman, Earl A. Boston: Beacon Press, 1993.
A wonderful book for teenagers who have experienced the death of someone they love. This book includes a journal section where you can record your memories, feelings, and hopes.
Talking about Death: A Dialogue between Parent and Child Boston: Beacon Press, 1990.
A book which the parent can read to the child. It includes a Parent Guide and recommended resources.
When My Dad Died Mathews, Janice M. Ann Arbor, MI: Cranbrook Publishing Company, 1981.
To be read to a pre-school child when a father has died.
When My Mommy Died Hammonds, Janice M. Ann Arbor, MI: Cranbrook Publishing Company, 1980.
To be read to a pre-school child when a mother has died.
Dying is different Hughes, Phyllis Rash. Mahomet, IL.: Mech Mentor Educational, 1978.
Helps children to see death as part of life. Invites questions and exploration. Focuses on increasing the child’s awareness of life and death in its most common forms. It is a sensitive and honest introduction to a serious subject.
Where’s Jess: For Children Who Have a Brother or Sister Die Johnson, Joy and Johnson, Marv. Omaha, NE: Centering Corporation, 1982.
A book to read to a pre-school child when a baby sibling dies.
Learning to Say Good-By: When a Child’s Parent Dies LeShan, Eda. New York: Avon, l978.
Written for the whole family, this book opens the way to genuine communication between youngsters and adults. In simple, direct language, LeShan discusses the questions, fears, fantasies and stages of mourning that people need to go through.
Aarvy Aardvark Finds Hope: A Read Aloud Story for People of All Ages About Loving and Losing, Friendship and Hope O’Toole, Donna. Burnsville, N.C.: Celo Press, l988.
Aarvy Aardvark comes to terms with the loss of his mother and brother with the help of his friend Ralphy Rabbit. A wonderful story of loss and grief. This story needs a parent to translate the animal story to people, then to the child’s particular situation.
Someone Special Died Prestine, Joan Singleton. Los Angeles: Price/Stern/Sloan, 1987.
A book to read to a pre-school child who has had a significant person die.
The Kid’s Book About Death: Helping Children to Understand Death, Grief and Loss (Happy Kid’s Series) Rofes, Eric E. and the unit at Fayerweather Street School. Boston: Little, Brown & Co., 1985.
Fourteen children offer facts and advice to give young readers a better understanding of death.
Tell Me, Papa Slater, Dr. Robert C. Council Bluffs, IA: Centering Corporation, 1978.
Children have many questions about death. This book takes the great unknown of death and tells it as it is through the words of Papa. The feelings that are triggered by death are explained and shared in a loving and caring context. The child will learn that feelings are normal.
About Dying Stein, Sara Bonnett. New York: Walker and Company, 1974.
An open family book for parents and very young children together. The use of photographs makes death very real. Includes guidelines for parents.
Am I Still a Sister? Sims, Alicia M. Newtown, PA: Fallen Leaf Press, 1992.
For the pre-school child after the death of a baby sibling.
I’ll Always Love You Wilhelm, Hans. New York: Crown Publishers, 1985.
A wonderful story to read to pre-schoolers regarding a dog’s death. A good introduction to death.
Parent Grief
After a Loss in Pregnancy Berezin, Nancy. New York: Fireside, 1982.
Help for families affected by a miscarriage, a stillbirth or the loss of a newborn.
WHEN PREGNANCY FAILS Borg, Susan and Lasker, Judith. Boston: Beacon Press, 1981.
For families coping with miscarriage, stillbirth and infant death.
Andrew You Died Too Soon Chilstrom, Corinne. Augsburg Fortress Publishers, 1993.
A mother tells the story of her son’s suicide in a simple and straightforward language. It’s a good resource for parents grieving the death of a child due to suicide.
Surviving Pregnancy Loss Friedman, Rochelle and Gradstein, Bonnie. Boston: Little, Brown and Company, 1982.
This book contains descriptions of reactions to pregnancy loss and practical approaches to coping with the associated emotional problems. A comprehensive discussion of the physical and emotional consequences of pregnancy loss.
Parental Loss of a Child Rando, Therese A. (Ed.) Champaign, IL.: Research Press Co., 1986.
A series of articles written by many different authors covering all aspects of this special grief.
The Bereaved Parent Schiff, Harriet Sarnoff. New York: Crown Publishers, l977.
A book of counsel for those who suffer the heartbreaking experience of a child’s death.
For Family and Friends
I Never Know What to Say: How to Help Your Family and Friends Cope with ** Donnelley, Nina Herrmann. New York: Ballantine Books, 1987.
Your friend’s wife or husband has died. Your neighbor’s child has died. Your friend is dying. What can you do? This book has all those answers and much more.
How to deliver death news Geary, David Patrick. San Francisco, CA, Compass Publishing Co., l982.
Even though this book carries a heavy title, it is full of information that will be helpful if ever you have the task of informing a friend or neighbor of the death of their loved one.
What Helped Me When My Loved One Died Grollman, Earl A. (Ed.) Boston: Beacon Press, l981.
Learn from those people experiencing grief over the death of a loved one what was helpful to them.
I Know Just How You Feel: Avoiding the Cliches of Grief Linn, Erin. Cary Il, The Publishers Mark, 1986.
A wonderfully humorous book with practical information.
Healing a Friend’s Grieving Heart: 100 Practical Ideas for Helping Someone You Love Through Loss (Healing a Grieving Heart series) Wolfelt, Alan. Routledge, 1998.
Provides 100 practical and fresh ideas for supporting a grieving friend or family member.
Parent Death for Adult Child
Nobody’s Child Anymore: Grieving, Caring and Comforting When Parents Die Bartocci, Barbara. Sorin Books, 200.
Topics include the parent dying, comforting the surviving parent, and finding new meaning.
Motherless Daughters: The Legacy of Loss, Second Edition Edleman, Hope. Da Capo Press; 2nd edition, 2006.
The author’s own grief after her mother’s death when she was 17, along with the grief of hundreds of other women is captured in this book. There is a wealth of anecdotal evidence, supplemented with psychogical research about bereavement.
Finding your Way After Your Parent Dies Gilbert, Richard. Ave Maria Press, 1999.
A compassionate guide for those struggling with the loss of a parent. It offers practical suggestions for navigating these difficulties.
When Parents Die: A Guide for Adults Myers, Edward. Penguin, 1997.
A practical guide that relies primarily on interviews and questionnaires. The author covers the grieving process, the difference in impact of sudden death versus slow decline, practical and emotional issues involved in planning the funeral, dividing personal property, and resolving residual feelings.
Grieving the Death of a Mother Smith, Harold Ivan. Ausburg Fortress Publishers, 2003.
The author draws on his own experience and that of others and guides readers through their grief, from the process of dying through the acts of remembering and honoring a mother after her death
The Death of a Pet
Pet Loss and Human Emotion, second edition: A Guide to Recovery Barton Ross, Cheri. Routledge, 2005.
Details the situations a counselor can encounter with pet loss while helping children grieve the death of a pet. Topics include euthanasia, special types of loss, and types of support and therapies.
Pet Loss: Thoughtful Guide for Adults and Children, A Fischer, Arlene and Nieburg, Herbert A., New York: Harper & Row, publishers, 1982.
This is a book that deals openly and honestly with the impact of the death of a beloved dog, cat or other pet — often the first experience a child has with death. Thoroughly researched and expertly written, this comprehensive guide can be a valuable educational tool.
Goodbye, Friend: Healing Wisdom for Anyone Who Has Ever Lost a Pet Kowalski, Gary.New World Library, 2006.
Kowalski writes, “Animals enrich our lives in countless ways, with their playfulness, their tranquilty [sic], their constancy, and their love. The book will help readers mourn and remember their pets.
American Hospice Foundation
Helen Fitzgerald is a Certified Thantologist, author, and lecturer. For 23 years, she was the coordinator of the Grief Program for Mental Health Services in Fairfax County, Virginia. There, she conducted therapeutic group sessions for grieving children which included pre-schoolers. Her books include The Grieving Child, The Mourning Handbook, and The Grieving Teen. Ms. Fitzgerald has written two manuals for the American Hospice Foundation: the Grief at School Resource Manual and Grief at Work: A Manual of Policies and Practices. She has also written for or has been quoted in Parent’s Magazine, Good Housekeeping, and many other publications. Presently, she contributes to the website beliefnet.com.
Ms. Fitzgerald has appeared on the CBS Morning Show, NBC Today Show and Nick News on the Nickelodeon cable network. Washingtonian magazine named Ms. Fitzgerald one of the top Washington psychotherapists. She has provided training for school psychologists and counselors throughout the country and is often called upon to address crisis situations at schools and organizations in the Washington area – including the World Bank, the US Congress, and Children’s Hospital.
She is a former board member of the Association for Death Education and Counseling, which presented her with its annual Clinical Services Award. She was also presented the Community Service Award of the Social Work Association of Fairfax County. Her biography appears in Who’s Who in America.