This talk will address the predominant theories of grief work in Western culture and in the world of grief therapy as well as the new research on bereavement based on the concept of resilience. These ideas will be contrasted with those in family systems theory in which the level of differentiation across generations is the framework for understanding a family’s response to the death of a loved one. The emotional shock wave – or the aftershocks in a family to a death – will be illustrated through a case study.

Anne S. McKnight, EdD, Director, The Bowen Center

This lecture was recorded live at The Bowen Center in Washington, DC on December 10, 2015.