Debbie Augenthaler is a psychotherapist with a private practice in New York City where she has specialized in trauma, grief and loss. She uses eastern philosophy, energy healing and spiritual practices from cultures around the world as well the connection of a shared experience to help people through their grief. In her new book ‘You Are Not Alone: A Heartfelt Guide for Grief, Healing, and Hope’ she gives readers insights and suggestions for healing and hope.

There are several layers to ‘You Are Not Alone’ beginning with the Introduction where the author explains how this is the book she wishes she had after her husband Jim died. She was young and even though the experience shattered her life, she carried on, but longed to read about someone who understood what she was going through. Dry clinical books held no interest to her; all she wanted was “a book that could witness and validate” her experience. With that said, this thoughtful and informative book is a combination memoir and self-help guide through grief and recovery. It is divided into four parts: Shattered, Grieving and Coping, Emerging and Transition and Expanding Into the Mystery.

Grief is a universal emotion, so it makes a big difference if the advice comes from someone who has travelled the same painful path. This gives the author the credibility necessary to dispense advice, even though everyone’s experience is different. She is open and honest, but some of the details of her journey may be too difficult for readers with fresh losses. The information is presented in simple, clear, non-clinical terms, making it easy to read and understand. It also contains poems and inspirational quotes from the likes of William Blake and Paul Coelho and coping mechanisms that worked for her. The Appendix, ‘How to Help’ has sections such as ‘The Importance of Support’ and ‘Notes and Cards’ with suggestions on what to do “If You Are Grieving” and “If Someone You Know is Grieving.” ‘You Are Not Alone’ by Debbie Augenthaler is recommended for anyone who is looking for a helpful yet poignant guide through the transition from grief to recovery from someone who has been there. It will be twice as helpful if passed along to someone else who needs it.

“In helping others, even when in the midst of our own grief, we can help ourselves.”

*The reviewer received a copy of this book for an honest review. The views and opinions expressed here belong solely to her.