Families Facing Death

A down-to-earth and highly practical guide, this is the first book to explain and illustrate the relationship between family systems, illness, and loss. This updated paperback edition includes theoretical information along with specific suggestions for developing the important skills needed to manage psychosocial symptoms in the patient and family, both during illness and after death. The author explains how to understand the dynamics of the family as an interactive, intradepAndent system. He also explains how to help families define and facilitate the tasks they must take to adjust to illness and loss. Focus on the Family.

The Family as a System.

Loss and the Life Cycle.

The Family Prepares for Death.

The Grieving Family.

Helping Families Face Death.

An Ethnic Perspective.

Ethical Dilemmas.

Appendix A: Annotated Filmography.

Appendix B: Reading List. "This is an excellent book. . . . I recommAnd it highly to alltherapists and healthcare workers as a clear and compassionateexposition about death in families."

"A clinical tour de force?the case presentations make theory comealive and highlight how professionals can facilitate growth at theAnd of life." (Dale G. Larson, author, The Helper's Journey:Working With People Facing Grief, Loss, and Life-ThreateningIllness)

"Insightful application of family systems theory and practicalwisdom from years of counseling experience make Families FacingDeath an invaluable resource for anyone who cares for peopleconfronting life-limiting illness or living with grief." (IraByock, author, Dying Well)

ELLIOTT J. ROSEN is director of the Family Institute of Westchester in White Plains, New York and consultant to Phelps Memorial Hospital Hospice. A family therapist and teacher, Dr. Rosen has written extensively on the issues of ethnicity, bioethics, and the grieving process.

Working with Family Systems, Illness, and Loss

Families Facing Death was the first book to comprehensively address the problems of families facing the struggle of living with dying. This updated paperback edition combines theoretical information with specific suggestions for developing the critical skills needed to manage psychosocial symptoms for the patient and family, both during illness and after death.

In this down-to-earth, practical guide the author’s valuable insights show healthcare professionals how to help families define and facilitate the tasks they must undertake to adjust to this difficult time. Intrinsic to the author’s approach is the belief that illness and loss represent more than simply a crisis for the family; they also present a tremendous opportunity for self-awareness, transformation, and growth.

“A clinical tour de force—the case presentations make theory come alive and highlight how professionals can facilitate growth at the end of life.”
—DALE G. LARSON, author, The Helper’s Journey: Working with People Facing Grief, Loss and Life-Threatening Illness

“Insightful application of family systems theory and practical wisdom from years of counseling experience make Families Facing Death an invaluable resource for anyone who cares for people confronting life-limiting illness or living with grief.”
—IRA BYOCK, author, Dying Well