Doors Close, Doors Open

Subtitle - Widows Grieving and Growing

Morton Lieberman, PH.D.
Publisher Grosset/Putman 1996

ISBN 0-399-14141-3

Many copies available through www.amazon.com

 

Morton Lieberman Ph.D. and a professor of psychology at the University of California, San Francisco spent seven years painstakingly interviewing seven hundred widows and widowers, learning of the pain, anger and challenges of widow(er)hood, but also making many discoveries that dispelled age old myths (mainly purported by men in the medical/psychotherapy professions) about the process of bereavement.

In 'Doors Close, Doors Open', the author examines the early and later stages of widowhood, how past experiences can affect recovery, issues such as what to do about wedding rings; sexuality and future relationships, whether or not and when therapy might be useful, the value of support groups, personal growth and self discovery, the search for ‘self’, opportunity, the differences in the ways widows and widowers cope with bereavement and the journey to a new and meaningful life – single or otherwise.  He also sensitively uses the term ‘singlehood’ to describe those who have been widowed. Graphs and appendices provide more detailed and specific research information but much of the book is given over to comparisons of how different people in different life and relationship situations have coped with their losses and in many cases evolved completely new and rewarding lifestyles.

This book is highly informative, helps allay many anxieties, inspires one to get things into perspective, shows that there can be light at the end of the tunnel and is gently and warmly encouraging and optimistic.

Editor

May 2006