G. Brian Jones

Surviving the Unthinkable

Counseling, Grief & Mental Health

“Wow! An amazing primer on grief and grieving. Written by a suicide survivor who reports in depth about how his brother's unthinkable and unsuspected death shocks Payne's soul, mind, heart, and body. I highly valued the author before I received this classic resource for people who try to recover from loss. My careful reading increased my regard for him. If given permission, I will share copies with every client, colleague, and relative who grieves. I will ask if we can promote this book on both of our mentoring websites. I admire Dr. Payne's transparency and vulnerability. In Don, I see the balance of masculine and feminine shared from a seminary professor's perspective and based on his acceptance of energy-draining emotions such as anger, fear, and hurt. Throughout, his insights are provocative, invariably tied to Bible passages and promises. This textbook acknowledges Don Payne who consistently uses metaphors, analogies, and stories to expedite our learning. Before studying this impressive account, I knew him as a trainer. Now I can add that he is a magnificent writer who has been broken by his brother's untimely death. He is embracing a recovery process by acknowledging that 'My journey with the aftermath of a suicide will never entirely end' (page 45). He shares and models brilliant insights, practical tools, and caring strategies that encourage all of us who grieve. I like the peace he is experiencing in Jesus. I will strive to be a better person and Christian psychologist because of this gem and its author.”