Welcome to my website. I have devoted my career to the study of grief and loss. Most of my work has focused on how people cope with the sudden, traumatic death of a loved one. Examples include deaths brought about through accidents, natural disasters, suicide, homicide, and most recently COVID-19, which has resulted in over 330,000 deaths in the United States.

I am frequently asked why I have chosen to study what many regard as a grim and unpleasant topic. My passion for this work is personal. It stems  from an event that occurred in my childhood: the sudden, traumatic loss of my father. From that day forward, my life was fundamentally and irrevocably changed, just like the individuals I have been studying for the past four decades.

Professional Biosketch This provides additional information about my background, research and professional activities.

Research and Publications My research has been designed to address three basic questions. How are people affected by the sudden, traumatic death of someone they love? How long do these effects last? Do bereaved individuals receive the support they need from their family and friends?

My Blogs Over the years, I have had many opportunities to describe my research in media outlets and on websites such as the American Psychological Association and PBS. I was also invited to post regular blogs on the PBS website for bereaved individuals and their family members.

My Book, Treating Traumatic Bereavement Many therapists have told me that they found my work to be helpful in treating their clients. Therefore, I decided to write a book for clinicians summarizing my own and others’ research on traumatic loss. This book, which is entitled “Treating Traumatic Bereavement: A Practitioner’s Guide” was written in collaboration with my colleagues Laurie Anne Pearlman and Therese Rando. The book was published by Guilford Press in 2014.

COVID-19 Grief Resources: Internet Resource Guide  As a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, an unprecedented number of people are struggling with painful symptoms of grief. Mental health treatment options are extremely limited, particularly for those hit hardest by the pandemic: people at the lowest socioeconomic level and people of color. Many people who are suffering may not know where to turn, or how to get the help and support they need.

Fortunately, there is a wealth of information about coping with losses due to the coronavirus on the internet. In collaboration with my assistants, Jessica Gregory and Cherie Mahady, I have located over 50 websites that provide information about grief, coping, and support. We have developed a comprehensive guide to these resources. This COVID-19 Internet Resource Guide is being widely distributed to mental health organizations, as well as city, county and state governments who are making it available to their constituents.