A Grief Like No Other: Surviving the Violent Death of Someone You Love »

Kathleen O'Hara, MA is a therapist who received her BA in Psychology from Antioch University and her graduate degree in Psychology from the California Institute of Integral Studies. O’Hara lives in Philadelphia.

A Grief Like No Other is the book no one wants to ever have to buy; sadly, many people continue to need it. From 9/11 to Cindy Sheehan's son – from mass tragedies like the recent London bombings to Law and Order type crimes that make the news only to be replaced by another name. As such, more people are left with the aftermath of dealing with the violent death of a loved one. It brings its own special brand of grieving since victim’s families can spend years dealing with legal ramifications, guilt, and a myriad of other circumstances that don’t accompany “normal” deaths.

Kathleen O’Hara knows both sides of this coin. As a therapist, she has counseled hundreds of people dealing with grief. As a mother, she saw her worst fears realized when her college-aged son was brutally murdered in 1999. In the aftermath of Aaron’s murder, O’Hara developed the seven stage journey that is at the heart of A Grief Like No Other. Although this is a book for those left behind in the aftermath of violence, it offers concrete and practical steps and stages, allowing family and friends safe passage through this incredibly harrowing journey.

Library Journal

O'Hara's A Grief Like No Other is a more personal guide to triumphing over tragedy. The author, a therapist in private practice, lost her college-aged son to a violent death in 1999. The stunningly unexpected and brutal nature of that event makes her journey to recovery surprisingly applicable to other forms of suffering, from domestic violence to terrorism and fatal car accidents. This harrowing yet hope-filled work is organized according to seven stages of recovery. Beginning with a chapter on how to craft the story of one's trauma, the author presents practical and positive advice and useful exercises on topics like finding guidance and resources, coping with overwhelming waves of feeling, and generating creative and healing strengths for rebuilding one's life. Her insights are thoughtful and original, including rejection of the term closure, which suggests that profound grief can come to an end. While A Grief Like No Other is more focused and moving and has a better narrative flow, both books are authoritative, with references to sources of further information and encouragement to seek professional help as needed. Both are recommended for self-help collections in large public libraries and mental health collections. Antoinette Brinkman, MLS, Evansville, IN Copyright 2006 Reed Business Information.