I’ve recently discovered several grief-related resources that may be useful to you and your clients, and wanted to share:
- The Jewish Journey through Loss: From Death to Healing by Batya Ludman and Gina Junger
Authors Batya Ludman, a bereavement-focused clinical psychologist, and Gina Junger, an expert Torah scholar, wrote this comprehensive tool for comfort and healing from the perspective of the Jewish tradition. This book is not a description of Judaism’s prescribed structure regarding death and grief, but rather, addresses the emotional experience of a griever during the year of official mourning after a death. Importantly, it also addresses the anticipatory grief that begins when a loved one is noticeably unwell, and the enduring experience of loss that occurs into the second year of grief and beyond. It could be quite helpful to your Jewish clients. - Two books focused on divorce:
- This is Me Letting You Go by Heidi Priebe
Written by a developmental psychologist, this book uses a series of essays to explore the process of letting go of someone/something and moving on, especially when we don't feel ready to do so. It is honest, forthright, and helpful, and it's also available as an audio book. I recommend it especially for anyone going through a “surprise” or unwanted divorce. - No One Dies From Divorce: How to Survive and Thrive When Your Marriage Fails by Jill Coil
This highly regarded divorce lawyer uses her many years of experience to offer solid guidance, wisdom, and hope for moving on from a marriage in positive ways. She begins even before the divorce itself, with tips for the decision-making process. There’s also pertinent advice on kids and custody. Your divorcing clients can use it as a guide for self-reflection and discovery to help build a better future. - Two online platforms for estate settlement:
- Heirloom – A comprehensive platform for walking an executor through the estate settlement process from beginning to end. It details every step necessary, with education, tools, resources, and checklists that track completion of tasks. Particularly for clients or their family members serving as executors who have little or no experience, Heirloom could result in significant savings by preventing mistakes, uncovering assets, and guiding the process. They have a 7-day free trial on the website.
- Honorly – A concierge service that handles estate settlement from start to finish: probate coordination, debt negotiation, document & asset discovery, title transfers, insurance & benefit claims, digital accounts, government notifications, tax filing coordination, account closures, asset distribution, and other administrative tasks. While an Honorly client remains the legal executor, Honorly does all the actual work, and the service includes a dedicated Care Team and access to an Expert Team of Attorneys and CPAs.
There are more resources available all the time. These are worth reviewing and may be valuable additions to the support you offer clients navigating loss and transition.