A book
aimed at helping children cope with the suicide of a parent has been
co-authored by a faculty member and dean at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens
Point.
“Losing
a Parent to Suicide” was written by Amy Boelk, an associate professor of
sociology and social work, and Marty Loy, dean of the College of Professional
Studies. It is the first to integrate first-person narratives about parental
suicide and offer strategies to deal with the anguish and after-effects of
these situations. The 224-page book also offers research and modes of therapy
to counselors who help grieving children. It was published by Routledge and is
available on Amazon.com and Routledge.com.
Boelk,
Loy and a team of collaborators conducted extensive interviews and research to
produce the book. Many contributors were associated with Camp HOPE, a camp for
grieving children co-founded by Loy and his wife, Becky.
“We
have already received emails from people who have found our book helpful on
professional and personal levels,” said Boelk. “It is our goal for this book to
inform many more counselors, therapists and other professionals who work with
bereaved children.”
“There is a lack of clarity about the differences between suicide bereavement
and other types of bereavement, and this book fills the gap in literature,” Loy
said. “Ultimately, we hope it is helpful to children and adults who have had
similar experiences.”
Boelk,
who came to UW-Stevens Point in 2000, has experience helping others cope with
the loss of loved ones as a former hospice staff social worker. She received
the University Excellence in Teaching Award in 2005 and is currently working on
the manuscripts of “Family conflict at the end-of-life: An examination of the
experiences of hospice primary caregivers and hospice staff.” She earned
degrees in social work at the University of Texas at Austin, UW-Madison and
UW-Eau Claire.
Loy
has written several articles and papers in the areas of faculty development and
childhood adolescent grief, including “Children and Stress: A handbook for
parents, teachers and therapists.” He joined UW-Stevens Point as head
wrestling coach and lecturer in 1987 and previously served as a professor in
the School of Health Promotion and Human Development. Loy earned a
doctorate in education administration at UW-Madison and a master’s degree in
education counseling at UW-Oshkosh.
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