Providing Support, Hope and Healing in this Complex Process
The process of grieving is universal and yet can be an incredibly isolating and overwhelming process. Made more difficult by the advances in technology and the pressure to be “fine," many people are often stuck somewhere midway through the grief process, which only leads to greater pain and harm in the future. In this course, we will dive deeper into this complex topic to better understand how we experience and work through grief and loss — including what is often referred to as “anticipatory grief." We will dismantle misconceptions and outline important considerations and build greater understanding for the necessity of this process for long-term healing and well-being.
This course will outline two primary modalities often used in the treatment of grief and bereavement as well as introduce specific tools and skills that can be used in the therapy room independent of modality. We will also spend time discussing the various ethical and social considerations both in the larger context of grief as well as in the support and treatment of clients in this process. We will spend time discussing the effects of shame on the grief process as well as other complicating factors that can stall or hinder a patient from truly grieving. Further, we will outline the role of grief in the forgiveness process and forgiveness model and see how you can infuse forgiveness theory and the reclamation of your client’s power in the therapy space.
Additionally, we will spend time looking at the experience of grief as the helper, identifying countertransference issues, creating a self-care plan and responding in situations of mutual and shared grief with your client.
Learning Objectives
Define the concepts of grief and loss and the various types and presentations of each
Identify the barriers and complicating factors associated with the grieving process
Explain two primary modalities for grief treatment
Outline at least four skills and interventions you can use with clients in the treatment process
Define at least three ethical or cultural considerations and other factors that affect the grieving process
Consider the role of grief in the long-term healing and recovery process and how it connects to the forgiveness model
Learn ways to respond to your own grief as the helping professional including identifying when you may be experiencing countertransference with the patient or client.