Book Review-My Grief is Like the Ocean-Jessica Biles and Jillian Kelly-Wavering | Miki's Hope

Book Review-My Grief is Like the Ocean-Jessica Biles and Jillian Kelly-Wavering

Tuesday, January 10, 2023



This short, beautifully illustrated book may help the parent of children whose Dad or Mom, or possibly another member of the family who have committed suicide. It is hard enough for an adult to get over this--much less understand why it happened. It is so much harder for a child.

This short story can be read to the child to get their feeling out. They may be feeling guilt-thinking they did something wrong that caused the loved one to end their life. Discussing the feelings, along with possible psychological help will allow the child to overcome these feelings.

There are plenty of references that can be accessed as well. If you and your child have experienced the suicide of a loved one--you should really read this book.

About the Book: (from Amazon)

The death of a parent is heartbreaking, but the issues surrounding suicide can be even more devastating. My Grief is Like the Ocean was written by mental health professionals who wanted to support caregivers during incredibly difficult conversations with children. Using the latest research and clinical guidance, and told from the perspective of a boy who lost his father to suicide, this book will help children to feel supported. When caregivers and children read this book together, they will gain a valuable resource for engaging in honest, informative and heartfelt discussions to help families heal. This book will:

Help children and caregivers talk about their grief experiences Normalize and encourage the many emotions a child may feel after a loss due to suicide Promote important dialogue and concrete ways to seek help for mental illness Provide caregivers with ideas for developmentally appropriate coping skills Offer additional resources caregivers can access for further support

"This is the one book all parents and clinicians need to have in their personal library. Adults now have a tool to help children navigate the difficult emotions of abandonment, betrayal, rage, and anger that often bubble up after the suicide of a loved one, but are often suppressed and left unspoken." -- Athena A. Drewes, PsyD, RPT-S, founder and president emeritus, New York Association of Play Therapy, past director of the Association for Play Therapy "My Grief is Like the Ocean tackles the seldom discussed, emotionally wrenching and very difficult concept of suicide in a way that children can understand...delicately using the metaphor of the ocean to describe how its shifting waves mirror the boy's feelings. The explanations are concise. The opportunity for a child to acknowledge their feelings is boundless." -- Laurie Zelinger, Ph.D., ABPP, RPT-S, board-certified psychologist, author of Please Explain Anxiety to Me

"This book is important and much needed, since the death of a parent by suicide is one of the most complicated and devastating forms of childhood grief. I found the book to be brilliant and written with the foundation of great sensitivity and compassion. I also loved the eloquent use of metaphors throughout. Highly recommended!" -- David A. Crenshaw, Ph.D., ABPP, author, board-certified clinical psychologist

"My Grief is Like the Ocean addresses the complex and conflicting feelings survivors have when they have lost a loved one to suicide. It is a must-have resource for all therapists that work with children and youth, as well as the surviving family members who may need direction regarding how to support their children as they experience this unique form of grief and loss." -- Theresa Fraser, CYC-P, CPT-S, MA, RP, RCT, CT, trauma, loss, and attachment clinical specialist

From Loving Healing Press



Read about the Author's Here (from Amazon)

Purchase the Book Here



Jessica Biles Website

Kobo

Gplay

Barnes and Noble

Goodreads


All opinions expressed are my own honest opinions. For more information please check my Disclosure Statement. Our giveaways are in no way sponsored or promoted by Facebook or Google.

5 comments :

Nova said...

wow, so important. looks so beautiful

Michael Law said...

Looks like a good book!

Sue E said...

Unfortunately children need a book like this nowadays! People have been more depressed with the pandemic, loss of jobs, small businesses closing and more sickness than ever! Thank you for tackling this tender subject with such class ❤️🙏🏼

Jenifer Wetle said...

This book is needed now more than ever. Which is sad though. I must get this book for my collection.

Jodi Hunter said...

Thanks for the review, I will check this out for sure.

 
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