Sibling Grief: Healing after the Death of a Sister or Brother

“P. Gill White, PhD has done an outstanding job of writing on a much-needed subject within the bereavement community, sibling grief. As siblings sadly are often the “forgotten” grievers when the death of their brother or sister occurs, a book such as this is greatly needed. Dr. White’s insights and experiences as both a bereaved sibling herself and as a sibling grief counselor are sure to be a great help to all who read her book. Bereaved Parents of the USA will definitely be recommending her book as a resource to both our siblings and their parents. -Patricia L. Moser, President Bereaved Parents of the USA www.bereavedparentsusa.org

Author P. Gill White, PhD, was only fifteen when her sister Linda made her swear not to tell anyone about the pain Linda had in her side, because she thought it would spoil an upcoming family vacation. Linda died four months later from a rare form of cancer called rhabdomyosarcoma. White and her family never talked about the loss until decades later when memories began to haunt her.

Sibling Grief is White’s validation of the emotional significance of sibling loss. She draws on clinical experience, research, and wisdom from hundreds of bereaved siblings to explain the five healing tasks specific to sibling grief.

White identifies the effects of this profound loss on daily actions and emotions and describes the dream patterns of bereaved siblings, showing how healing is reflected in the dream state. Throughout, she illustrates the long-lasting connection between siblings—a connection that death itself cannot sever. Sibling Grief is a powerful mix of information, personal reflections, and poetry—just what you need to begin your own healing journey.