With the book "Leading grief groups: giving those affected support and structure (Edition Guide)" [1] Monika Müller writes a practical guide that is aimed at people who lead grief groups or plan to do so in the future. The guide offers a wealth of information and guidance to give those leading grief groups the support they need.

The guide is clear and structured. The chapters are logically structured and build on one another in a sensible way, so that even readers without previous knowledge can follow easily. The language is understandable and practical, which makes the book easy to read. Complex topics are well explained and illustrated with examples, so that an overview of the essential content is quickly provided. As the author herself writes, the “book is intended as a working aid for the conception and implementation of grief groups” [2]. And as such, it is divided into a general part and a targeted schedule for group meetings, broken down by phase.

An essential part of the book is the explanation of group dynamic processes and their development during the phases already mentioned. The author goes into detail about the different phases that a group goes through and offers practical tips on how these phases can be accompanied and supported by the leadership, but also the role dynamics that should not be underestimated as a group matures. This is particularly important in order to understand the dynamics within the group but also the individual social roles of the participants and to recognize that“the change in one's own social role as one of the major variables, which (sic) the The severity and type of reactions to grief influence” [3].

The book contains numerous practical examples that illustrate the theoretical content and show how it can be applied in practice using the aforementioned stage or phase model. These examples come from the author's many years of experience as head of ALPHA Rheinland, the contact point in North Rhine-Westphalia for palliative care, hospice work and family support based in Bonn, and offer valuable insight into practical work with bereavement groups. They make the theoretical concepts tangible and facilitate implementation in practice. In the general section, the author also provides examples from her everyday professional life to support the theoretical foundations.

The guide offers methodological content that can enrich the work in grief groups in the form of a structured schedule:

• Notice
• Understanding grief
• Remember
• Accepting and expressing feelings
• Role changes
• Stress and coping
• Anniversaries and forms of remembrance
• The other place of the lost
• Support
• Conclusion, evaluation and outlook

These suggestions are presented in a very methodical and analytical manner in the form of checklists. The suggested methods are therefore practical and can be easily integrated into everyday group life because concrete instructions provide a good framework: “[…] with an overview of the activities of this group meeting (sic), as well as teaching sheets to distribute” [4].
The methods and ideas in the book can also be implemented in many ways for youth bereavement groups.

The book covers many aspects of grief work, but a deeper look into the specifics of different grief situations, such as grief after suicide or sudden death, could be helpful. These topics are addressed, but could be covered in more detail.

The guide is aimed at anyone who is involved in grief work or who wants to prepare for it, especially those who lead grief groups. The book also offers valuable information and practical tips for people in the pastoral, therapeutic and educational fields.

When reading, it becomes clear how important it is not only to give those who are grieving space for their grief, but also to offer them structure and support. The book's practical suggestions and methods illustrate how this balancing act can be successfully mastered in group work. It becomes clear that grief work requires a great deal of sensitivity and empathy, but also clear structures and methodical approaches.

Overall, “Leading bereavement groups: Giving support and structure to those affected (Guide Edition)” is a highly recommended guide that comprehensively addresses the needs of those leading bereavement groups and offers valuable assistance.