How do you – and can you ever – get over the loss of a loved one?

It’s one of the most traumatic experiences anyone can go through.

But a new book has been published aimed at showing how grief can actually be transformational.

The author learnt this from the experience of the unexpected death of her own son in 2018.

Joy Sackett Wood, who is also a Grief Transformation Coach, has written ‘From Hole to Whole’.

It is aimed at people experiencing grief through the loss of a loved one.

Joy has developed a step-by-step ‘Resilience’ process which equips readers to be able to cope with the impact of grief on an emotional, mental, physical and spiritual level.

It enables them to overcome the trauma and to continue in day to day living with their family, working lives or business.

Joy said: “I lost my son, Jack, suddenly and unexpectedly, the day before his 40th birthday and the anguish of finding myself without him and the love we shared was excruciating.

“I knew from my specialised training about the process of grief.

“However, I found myself challenged when I had this significant loss myself.

“Although my professional knowledge really did help me to understand what I was going through was a natural process, I knew I needed to allow myself the time.

“I wrote the book because during my personal grief journey I made some very interesting and unexpected discoveries.

“I felt compelled to share these and my expertise gained through my professional training to guide and support others on a practical level to see death or change as an opportunity to think about life.

“In the book, I show how to embrace the transformational power of grief and loss, through my step-by-step ‘Resilience’ process because grief and loss can be immensely powerful and lead to a whole new way of living and thinking.”

‘From Hole to Whole’ is published by Rethink Press and has achieved bestseller status on Amazon.

Reviews include:

• “It’s rare to find a book which weaves thoughts around emotional, psychological, spiritual and energetic health into something practical and to do that in relation to grief is quite an achievement.”
• “This book honestly made me look at grief in a different light. A more positive and healing light, I have to say – moving me from a rather  stuck feeling of loss and of being bereft, to a place where I’m starting  to see that the love I have for those I have lost can and must continue – just as a full and happy life can and must continue.”
• “Wow! Such a lovingly, heartfelt, well written book…I have read a  number of books on grief recently, but none that talked to me like this one.”
• “For anybody going through the pain of losing someone you love, this book will help and guide you on your journey through grief.”

‘From Hole to Whole’ is not only suitable for people who are recently bereaved but is recommended reading for anyone who hasn’t yet experienced the loss of a loved one as it will inform and prepare for such an event or to help and support others.

Joy, who is also a psychotherapist and counsellor, lives in Bournemouth.

In addition to the book, Joy will be delivering a series of online courses based on the book to support people either on a personal or business basis in understanding the grief process.

• joysackettwood.com