Best Grief and Loss Workbook (2026): 5 Picks Compared

The best grief and loss workbook is the one that matches how you grieve: some readers want a step-by-step program, others want art prompts or a counselor’s handouts. This list compares five grief and loss workbooks on what each listing publishes: author, page count, publication date and contents.

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The picks

#	Product	Shelf Score	Buy
1	Grief Recovery by James	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
2	Transforming Grief by Houben	9.7/10	Buy on Amazon
3	GriefWork by Zamore	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
4	Only Grief Workbook by Bennet	9.6/10	Buy on Amazon
5	Art Therapy Workbook by Bell	9.5/10	Buy on Amazon

1

Grief Recovery by James

John W. James·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A step-by-step program for moving beyond loss, in a 20th anniversary expanded edition with new material on faith, career, health and family.

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Pros

• Step-by-step program with specific actions
• 240 pages in the 20th anniversary expanded edition
• New material on faith, career, health and family loss

Cons

• 2009 publication date; an older edition
• Deals with grief and loss throughout
• More handbook than workbook; few exercises described

2

Transforming Grief by Houben

Ligia Houben·9.7/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

An interactive workbook guiding clients through 11 principles of transformation drawn from CBT, positive psychology and mindfulness.

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Pros

• 264 pages built around 11 stated principles
• Draws on CBT, positive psychology and mindfulness
• Workbook edition with activities and exercises

Cons

• Written for coaches with clients, less for solo use
• 2016 publication date
• Addresses loss and life transitions throughout

3

GriefWork by Zamore

Fran Zamore·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Reproducible assessments, exercises and handouts for therapists and counselors working with grieving clients.

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Pros

• Reproducible handouts and assessments included
• Made for therapists, counselors and group facilitators
• Covers shock, disorganization, reorganization and a new normal

Cons

• 160 pages, the shorter professional pick
• 2008 publication date
• Clinical framing may not suit solo readers

4

Only Grief Workbook by Bennet

Christine Bennet·9.6/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

A warm, interactive companion with writing prompts and exercises for navigating grief at your own pace.

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Pros

• 174 pages of prompts, exercises and grounding techniques
• Addresses guilt, grief brain and boundaries
• Published in 2025, the most recent here

Cons

• Single-author perspective, not a clinical program
• Grief, guilt and anxiety themes throughout
• No professional credentials stated in the listing

5

Art Therapy Workbook by Bell

Emily Bell M.A., LPCC, Art Therapist·9.5/10 Shelf Score

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The Shelf Score runs from 9.2 to 9.8 and weighs fit for the reader or goal (35 points), contents and edition (25), value (25) and listed reading age or level (10, where the listing gives one), using only what the book listing states. How we pick ›

Art therapy and writing exercises for teens and adults processing grief, from a licensed art therapist.

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Pros

• Art and writing exercises from a licensed art therapist
• Suits teens and adults; no art experience needed
• Trauma-informed approach, per the description

Cons

• 78 pages, the shortest pick here
• Art focus will not suit text-only readers
• Grief and trauma themes throughout

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More picks to compare

• Art Therapy Grief Workbook by NakamuraArt and journaling exercises for grief, 143 pages.Check on Amazon
• Grief Workbook 5-1 by HartwellTherapy-based tools and exercises, 254 pages, for adults and teens.Check on Amazon
• How to Heal from Grief by Wood12-week guided journal by a social worker, 122 pages.Check on Amazon
• Traumatic Loss Workbook by LevinSkills for sudden loss, CBT-based, 176 pages.Check on Amazon

Compare the picks

Book details as published on each listing, collected 23 October 2026.

How we scored them

The Shelf Score weighs fit for the reader, contents and edition, value, and the listed reading age or level where one is given. None of the five list a reading age or grade level. How we pick explains the weights.

Scores run from 9.2 to 9.8: each book’s point total is placed on that range, so more points always means a higher score. Reading age or level counts on a list where at least one listing gives one, and a book whose listing gives none then scores zero on it. Where no listing gives one, the score is taken over the other 85 points. Books carry no warranty, so warranty is not scored.

How to choose the best grief and loss workbook

Program or prompts

Some workbooks teach a program, like the Grief Recovery Handbook’s step-by-step actions or the Transforming Grief workbook’s 11 principles. Others offer prompts to work through at your own pace, like the Only Grief Workbook. Decide whether you want structure or space.

For you or for clients

GriefWork is written for therapists, with reproducible handouts for clients. The art therapy workbook suits teens and adults, solo or with a counselor. Match the book to the reader: a teen doing art prompts needs a different book than a counselor running a group. See also the best watercolor workbook with paints and the best ACT workbook.

Before you buy

• Check the edition and date: the picks run from 2008 to 2025.
• Confirm the audience: GriefWork is for professionals; the rest are for grievers.
• Weigh page count against format: 78 pages of prompts differs from 264 pages of program.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which grief workbook should I start with?

Start with the format that fits: a step-by-step program like the Grief Recovery Handbook, or prompts like the Only Grief Workbook. The compare table shows pages and dates.

Are these for therapists or grievers?

Both. GriefWork is written for therapists and facilitators; the other four are written for grievers, though counselors use them too.

Do any include an answer key?

No. These are reflective workbooks, and none of the listings states an answer key.

Still deciding? Our top pickGrief Recovery by James

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