Grief Library
Griefwords Online Library
Brought to you by the Center for Loss and Life Transition
Alan Wolfelt, Ph.D., Director
The Misconception of the Funeral as a Rite of Closure
Raise your hand if you’ve heard that funeral ceremonies help you achieve “closure.” It’s a common misconception. When someone we love dies, the death indeed ends—forever—our experience of live, bodily presence with that person. The body is dead. It’s true—something essential is finished. It is over. A door has closed....READ MORE
Helping a Friend in Grief
A friend has experienced the death of someone loved. You want to help, but you are not sure how to go about it. This article will guide you in ways to turn your cares and concerns into positive actions. Listen with your heart. Helping begins with your ability to be an active listener. Your physical presence and desire...READ MORE
Helping Yourself Heal When Someone You Care About Dies of a Drug Overdose
A friend or family member has died of a drug overdose. Death and grief are always hard, but when someone dies from drug use, understanding your feelings and knowing what to think and say about the death can be especially difficult. This article offers compassionate guidance for coping with your own grief as well as he...READ MORE
Helping a Grandparent Who is Grieving
A child or young adult has died. Everyone who loved the child is now faced with mourning this tragic, untimely death. The child's parents are heartbroken. But what about the grandparents? How might they be feeling? How can you help them with their unique grief? This article will guide you in ways to turn your conc...READ MORE
Helping a Suicide Survivor Heal
Historian Arnold Toynbee once wrote, "There are always two parties to a death; the person who dies and the survivors who are bereaved." Unfortunately, many survivors of suicide suffer alone and in silence. The silence that surrounds them often complicates the healing that comes from being encouraged to mourn....READ MORE
