Resources in Bereavement
Bereavement is not just “knowing” lots about the process; it is about learning how to walk the path of loss while experiencing the full gamut of emotional, physical, spiritual, social, and cognitive challenges in the process of grief.
But sometimes, knowing more does help in the process. Understanding the experience is part of navigating the journey well. These resources will help light the path, both for you and for the bereaved individuals for whom you care.
Free Resources from GriefConnect…
The Grief Compass: A Tool for Understanding Bereavement. In 1991, Dr. Bill Hoy began developing what he would eventually call the “grief compass,” a simple diagram that captured what bereaved individuals expressed as the significant issues in their grief. Because bereavement does not proceed in any sort of sequential, orderly stages, the compass helps clinicians and caregiving volunteers picture where in the process the bereaved individual might be struggling at this moment. This brief video explains the concept and Road Signs on the Journey through Griefexplains the compass more fully.
Bereavement Assessment. In these two videos, Dr. Hoy discusses the importance of the initial (and ongoing) assessment in order to provide good care. View Part 1 here and view Part 2 here.
Clinical Interview Guide for Complex Grief. This simple assessment tool provides a simple note-taking guide for an interview with a bereaved person about the ways his or her grief may be unusually complex. The advantage to this tool is it does not look just at a “total score” for bereavement risk, but rather, points out to the counselor what key issues might need attention in the work with this bereaved person. It can be freely-reproduced (with copyright attribution) for non-commercial use (no resale).
Favorite Questions for Groups or Individual Counseling. One of the most vital tools used by a group leader or therapist is the open-ended question that embraces the bereaved individual’s story and experience. These are some of our favorites (Coming Summer 2026).
Best Books in Bereavement. GriefConnect’s team is curating a list of our favorite books in bereavement including timeless classics and newer works that offer promising guidance. There will be something here for everyone—caregiving clinicians, leaders of congregational bereavement ministries, funeral professionals, as well as bereaved adults, children, and teens. Along with our team’s favorite books and resources, you will also find direct links to Amazon so you can review and purchase right away. (Coming Fall 2026).