Grief Support: After a Sudden Death or Long-Term Illness

This two-day workshop defines and explores the impact of and issues surrounding accidents, murders, suicides, and deaths following a chronic or terminal illness.

Mourners of a sudden death deal with special factors, including police involvement, legal consequences, media interest, and public scrutiny of their worst nightmare. The dying person and his or her loved ones face invasive treatments, prolonged illness, and extended death trajectories. Often these mourners are burdened by the myth that with an "anticipated" death, grief is easier and they are better prepared for loss. In truth, all types of death elicit grief and challenge us as professional caregivers.

In this workshop, you learn about the complicating issues and counseling needs of mourners of these losses. Practical support skills are covered that enhance your professional competencies and clinical expertise in coping with overwhelming circumstances. Didactic material, case examples, experiential activities, and a panel of bereaved are used to increase knowledge and to further integrate practical and assessment skills.

This workshop is intended for health and mental health professionals, clergy, and other individuals working with clients coping with grief and loss. This workshop is not intended for the newly bereaved.