Recent Stories
Dear Dr. Neimeyer, I’m a therapist in general practice who was just referred a couple who had lost a small child. The mother called to make the appointment and emphasized that her husband was willing to accompany her, but she also said they seemed to be “on different pages” in dealing with their loss. We […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, Since my partner died three months ago, I feel totally lacking in any desire to be involved in life. I just want to let days slide past without going anywhere, doing anything, seeing anyone. Going to places we loved and knew is hugely upsetting; meeting people who ask how I’m doing reduces […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, I have worked for bereavement support centers for the past four years as a member of the clinical staff; however, I have realized that I may not want to focus on clinical practice. I am still passionate about grief and want to contribute to our field in a different, but still meaningful, […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, Why is it so hard? I lost my sister in the spring, then my husband a month later, then my son two months later. It’s been a losing battle I just don’t know how to handle this. Paulina Dear Paulina, When a person has a litany of losses in such close succession […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, I am a nurse who works in a palliative care unit of a major metropolitan hospital, where I specialize in bereavement care. Although the work is very satisfying, it is also frustrating, as I seem to be flooded with referrals for grief therapy from several hospital units when a patient dies, and […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, My husband died in November. He was in his early 40s. We were together nearly 25 years; he was my other half. We did everything together. It is so hard for me. All I do is cry. I know that’s not going to bring him back but I’m so heartbroken. It is […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, I am a bereavement counselor at a hospice. I have a client who has done amazing work after the death of her husband. She is in her mid 60’s and very healthy. She and her husband had counseling before his death and she continued after his death. She has written, and written, […]
Continue ReadingHi Dr. Neimeyer, My husband’s sudden death happened unexpectedly five years ago at the age of 54. We were together for 33 years. He dropped dead in front of me with no warning. They said that he was gone before he hit the floor. We had a very good marriage and I am thankful for […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, My husband passed away suddenly and unexpectedly over two years ago. I am in a lot of emotional pain, but that’s not why I am writing. Three decades ago my husband’s daughter accused him of molesting her; this recollection had come to her, she said, during a course of psychotherapy. He said […]
Continue ReadingDear Dr. Neimeyer, Thirteen years ago I experienced a seizure while driving. My mother was killed in the accident. I had an extremely close relationship with my mother. I continue to feel guilty and struggle to make sense of this tragedy. Phil Dear Phil, Your tragic story, summarized vividly in so few words, conveys the catastrophic […]
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