Unique issues in counseling the bereaved.

This Special Section is consistent with the JMHC's April 2004 Special Issue titled Perspectives on Counseling the Bereaved. The authors address two additional topics of interest.

Toray offers a unique clinical perspective, heavily influenced by her family studies background and her involvement in the development of and subsequent work (during the year 2001) as director for veterinary-based support institute, on death loss and the human-animal bond. As a grief support service, the primary mission of the institute has been to provide for the emotional needs of the clients of a veterinary school. Toray shares her insights regarding how mental health counselors can best assess, support, and counsel clients grieving the deaths of companion animals.

Although influenced by a research project focused on the September 11-related sympathy materials appearing at the New York State Museum (Sofka, 2003), Sofka offers a primarily clinical perspective on assessing the September 11 reactions of older adults. Through her academic and clinical experience in the field of social work, she has developed strategies for anticipating reactions and asking the questions necessary for effective evaluation. Mental health counselors working with older adults will benefit from the specific as well as the broad recommendations made with regard to assisting clients during times of disaster and crisis.

Toray and Sofka offer distinct clinical perspectives informed by theory, research, and practice. They each address topics that are frequently disenfranchised in both the public's awareness and, still to some extent, in the thanatological literature. Clients will benefit from MHC's having increased awareness and knowledge of these unique bereavement and mourning issues.

Heather L. Servaty-Seib, Ph.D., is an assistant professor, Counseling and Development, Purdue University, West Lafayette, IN. [e-mail]