The Anatomy of Grief

“Holinger teases out … intimate connections, and the psychology of the broken heart, fusing science and the humanities, in her introspective and poetic book.“—Erin Blakemore, Washington Post“Holinger has given a gift to the counselling world with this book…With the use of case studies, literature and historical context, Holinger illustrates grief in a way that educates readers and resonates with our varied experiences.”—Samantha Airey, Therapy Today“Dorothy Holinger’s exploration of the contours of grief is wise, moving, thought-provoking, and, best of all, extraordinarily helpful. Beautifully written and humane, it is a balm for the bereaved.“—Barry Bearak, Pulitzer Prize winner for international reporting“The Anatomy of Grief is a great read. All of us have been affected by grief and will find satisfaction in the new knowledge gained as well as enjoyment from Dorothy Holinger’s talent as a writer.”—Michael K. Rees, MD, MPH, Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center“Anatomy of Grief is a gem. Dorothy Holinger approaches grief as a scientist and clinician, combined with personal experience, exploring the evolutionary history, anatomy, and physiology of grief. A real masterpiece.”—Donald L. Schomer, MD, Professor of Neurology, Harvard Medical School, editor of Niedermeyer’s Electroencephalography, VIth and VIIth editions“This is a unique and truly important book to anyone who wishes to understand, and learn how to cope with, grief. Combining research, clinical and personal experience, it presents a practical, relatable, and deeply human guide to the most difficult of times.”— Chris Reid, Director of Product Development and Publishing, Science Magazine

”The Anatomy of Grief brings together Dorothy Holinger’s expertise in brain research and her clinical work with grieving patients. She speaks compellingly to the grief-stricken, urging them to resist society’s pressure to ‘get over it’ on some imposed timetable.“—Barbara J. King, author of How Animals Grieve

Dorothy P. Holinger, Ph.D., was an instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School for more than twenty-three years. She is a fellow of the Association for Psychological Science and has her own psychotherapy practice.