Living in the liminal space understanding the lived experience of ambiguous or unresolved loss to enhance how we care for those left behind Sarah Wayland ; edited by Kate Parkinson

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Wayland, Sarah, author.

Contributor:

Parkinson, Kate, editor.

Series:

Social Work (Lived Places Publishing)

Social Work

Language:

English

Subjects (All):

Loss (Psychology).

Absence and presumption of death.

Counseling--Methods.

Counseling.

Physical Description:

1 online resource

Edition:

First edition

Place of Publication:

New York, N.Y. : Lived Places Publishing 2026

Language Note:

English

Summary:

What happens when a person is gone, but not lost-when grief takes hold without the certainty of death? Living in the Liminal Space explores this profound emotional terrain, where families and communities exist between hope and despair, struggling to find meaning amid ambiguity. Drawing on more than 25 years of research and practice, Professor Sarah Wayland brings together her experiences working with families of missing people in Australia and internationally. Through a powerful blend of lived experience, academic insight, and compassion, she offers a framework for understanding and supporting those navigating unresolved loss. Extending the foundational work of Pauline Boss and integrating social theories of hope, loss, and uncertainty, this book challenges social workers, counsellors, psychologists, and therapists to view "living grief" not as paralysis, but as a space where resilience and connection can flourish. This book is essential reading for students and practitioners in social work, counselling, psychology, sociology, and community services, as well as organisations offering postgraduate or professional programs in grief, loss, and trauma support

Contents:

Cover

Half-Title Page

Title Page

Copyright Page

Dedication

Abstract

Content warning

Table of Contents

Foreword

Preface

Introduction: The learnt experience of ambiguity

The first exposure to loss

Beginning the journey of learning

1 What is ambiguity in the context of loss?

How does liminality and liminal spaces engage with uncertainty?

How do we prepare ourselves to work and live in liminal spaces?

How does hope feature in the ways to support uncertain losses?

What is hope theory and how is it conceptualised?

Hope in a bereavement context

Liminal spaces, social constructions and loss

So how does this social construction of what we are allowed to grieve and not grieve shape ambiguity?

2 Preparedness to step in

How does community impact awareness of liminal spaces?

What's the inner work that you need to do on yourself to be comfortable in those liminal spaces?

Consider the socio-cultural lens that you bring to your work

Learn by doing

Be open to multiple truths

Tolerating uncertainty, developing resilience and not shying away from the deficits of the human experience

Being alert to vicarious impacts of the work

3 Case studies for reflection

Case study one: Ambiguity and incarceration

I can't reach back in; he can only reach out - the ambiguous loss of a family member into the justice system

The 10-minute touchpoint

Disengaging from the spectators

Sometimes you just need one stranger to help you

What does this mean on a larger scale?

Case study two: Missing and homicide

Trying to out-think what happened: The unresolved loss of a missing, murdered mum

Contextualising the case study

Case study three: Forced adoption and liminality

Greeks do not say, 'I miss you' - they say, 'You are missing from me'

Case study four: Suicide attempt and the space in between

'Just keep an eye on them': The liminal space between relationships and surveillance for families with a loved one who attempts suicide

4 Leaning in: How to teach about liminal spaces

Reflection on teaching uncertainty: Voluntary assisted dying and the role of the social worker

Ambiguity in the discipline of psychology, counselling and psychotherapy

Ambiguity in the discipline of social work

Embedding ambiguity and loss into your curriculum or continuing professional development

What are the support needs and family experiences

Political, collective and cultural dimensions of grief

Curriculum and teaching recommendations

Conclusion

References

Appendices: Teaching resources

Assessment exemplar for case study one

Assessment exemplar for case study two

Assessment exemplar for case study three

Assessment exemplar for case study four

Index

Notes:

Includes bibliographical references and index

Description based on Publisher's website, viewed July 07, 2026

Other Format:

Print version Living in the liminal space : understanding the lived experience of ambiguous or unresolved loss to enhance how we care for those left behind.

ISBN:

9781917566988

9781917566971

OCLC:

1595739359

Publisher Number:

10.62859/9781917566988 DOI