Before and After Loss

"This poetic and insightful, if heartbreaking, memoir from neurologist Lisa M. Shulman stems from her own bereavement of her late husband... Combined with the latest scientific studies in traumatic brain injury and holistic approaches to healing, Shulman has created a unique book that touches on all aspects of the process of grieving—the psychological, physiological, and overlap between neurology and psychiatry. Ultimately, Shulman points out that whether brain injury is caused by physical or emotional trauma, it results in similar long-term effects—and also that post-traumatic stress can become post-traumatic growth, with the right tools. In short, it could prove to be an invaluable aid to counselors, psychotherapists, and medical doctors, as well as anyone moving through grief toward wholeness."

"An interesting thought-provoking book, which describes the trauma experienced by the author of losing her husband to cancer and then provides psychological techniques to move forward from sorrow to healing and growth."

"A masterpiece. This important, richly heartening book will be a tremendous resource for those experiencing loss and grief, as well as those working with people who are experiencing loss and grief."

"The book's combination of storytelling, insights, education, research, and suggested strategies will appeal to a broad audience interested in the science behind grief. Dr. Shulman’s offering advances our understanding of how the brain impacts grief."

"Dr. Shulman has written a touching and informative memoir about grief. This book manages to balance science with an intimate, compassionate voice that allows easy access to her extensive experience and wisdom. I highly recommend this to people who have lost a loved one and are feeling the confusion and bewilderment that often accompanies loss."

"Had Dr. Shulman's book only been an eloquent and moving account of how she approached her husband's death and the grief that followed, it would have been well worth reading. But in taking us deep into the science of grief, she also enlightens us, and normalizes grief as evolution's way of enabling our survival in the face of traumatic loss."

"Dr. Shulman has found a way to make the concept of emotional trauma more tangible, explaining the emotional experiences related to loss and healing through neurological physical functions and the psychological purpose each symptom serves. This bravely intimate and scholarly work provides a unique guide for all of us in our healing journeys."

"Before and After Loss is remarkable. Having worked to improve care of those who are seriously ill and dying and their families for four decades, I have never read another manuscript like it. This book will be a touchstone for those who have experienced the loss of a loved one."

"A courageous and formative work. Dr. Shulman's intimate account and search for answers creates a recipe of sensible ingredients honoring the deeply personal experience and transformative power of loss and grief. And she serves it all up with scientific sizzle."