“RESTORED” by Marilyn Willis

RESTORED: A Self-Paced Grief Workbook for your Journey from Loss to Life

Marilyn Willis, MA,  LPCC, NCC.
Zamiz Press (2020)
ISBN: 9781949813074
Reviewed by Tammy Ruggles for Reader Views (9-2020)
5*A Workbook for Emotional Healing

“RESTORED: A Self-Paced Grief Workbook for Your Journey from Loss to Life,” by Marilyn Willis, MA, LPCC, NCC, is a hands-on, personal workbook for anyone living in the wake of grief, loss, suicide, and emotional trauma. If you’ve ever lost someone, and most of us have, then you will relate to this book right away.

Grief can manifest itself in various ways, from depression, to denial, to reckless behavior, substance use, and anything in between. This accomplished and experienced author hopes to guide you through your feelings so that you can come to an understanding of grief, what it means in your life, and how you can manage it. Yes, healing from grief is possible, and Willis shows you how, with clinical anecdotes, images, and her own expertise. Since each person’s journey through grief is unique, this workbook asks you to personalize the material and use the practical advice, recommended exercises, and personal questions in an honest way.

Not only is this book a valuable resource for professionals, it’s a thinking, feeling, and behavior tool for the person struggling with grief. One thing I like–and there are many–is that Willis uses a body/mind/spirit approach, taking the whole person into consideration during the healing journey. Another thing I like about the book is that it doesn’t let you wallow in grief. It asks you to examine it, and then work your way out of it and into the sunlight again. Willis doesn’t ask you to minimize your grief or forget about your lost loved one.

This workbook is perfect for grief and bereavement support groups, but if you don’t feel comfortable sharing in one at this time, this book can be a bridge to opening up about it. It will help you deal with your loss in a private way. If you feel yourself being confused or consumed by grief, allow “RESTORED: A Self-Paced Grief Workbook for Your Journey from Loss to Life,” by Marilyn Willis, to lead you out of the wilderness.