The Grieving Body

“No one has done more for the science of grief than Mary-Frances O’Connor. Deeply human and wise, The Grieving Body delivers a grounded, logical understanding of the effects of stress and loss on our bodies. O’Connor doesn’t just explain what happens and why, she offers hopeful, beautiful solutions to support ourselves and our world.” — Megan Devine, author of It’s Ok that You’re Not Ok“With The Grieving Body, O’Connor remarkably combines fascinating science, intimate storytelling, and her generous heart to help us better understand the very human experience of living while grieving - and how to care for ourselves and our loved ones when grief inevitably arrives at our door.“ – — Lisa Keefauver, MSW, Author of Grief is a Sneaky Bitch: An Uncensored Guide to Navigating Loss”Mary Frances O’Connor demystifies the grieving process like no one else, offering comfort and understanding when we need it most. The Grieving Body deftly explains the physical changes our bodies undergo after loss and gives us the tools we so desperately need to move through the overwhelming experience of grief. I will be recommending this book to all of my clients.”  — Claire Bidwell Smith, therapist and author of Anxiety: The Missing Stage of Grief”The Grieving Body is an eye-opening read as Dr. O’Connor skillfully combines compassion with scientific insight, offering wisdom alongside practical advice. She emphasizes that loss affects not only our emotions and mental health but also our physical well-being. This book is vital for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of grief and its effects on the body’s various systems. Packed with invaluable insights and meaningful guidance, it is a crucial resource for those who are grieving.” — Joanne Cacciatore, PhD, author of Bearing the Unbearable”a profound and compassionate guide to understanding how grief manifests in the body and how healing can occur on a physical, emotional, and spiritual level. The book is grounded in scientific research, yet it maintains an accessible and empathetic tone, making it a valuable resource for both those experiencing grief and the professionals who support them. By blending scientific insight with practical advice, O’Connor offers a path toward healing that acknowledges the full complexity of the grieving process, validating the physical reality of loss while offering hope for recovery.” — James R. Doty, MD, author of Into the Magic Shop“An excellent choice for readers seeking bereavement support.” — Library Journal (starred review)

MARY-FRANCES O’CONNOR, PhD is an associate professor of psychology at the University of Arizona, where she directs the Grief, Loss and Social Stress (GLASS) Lab, which investigates the effects of grief on the brain and the body. O’Connor received her BA in psychology from Northwestern University in 1996, and went on to earn a PhD in clinical psychology from the University of Arizona in 2004. She completed clinical training at the formerly named UCLA Neuropsychiatric Institute and Hospital and has worked in clinical settings from Arizona State Prison to the Revlon UCLA Breast Center. Soon after, she completed a post-doctoral fellowship in psychoneuroimmunology at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. She then joined the faculty at UCLA before moving to the psychology department at the University of Arizona in 2012. She lives in Tucson, Arizona.