Navigating Traumatic Grief: Empowering Therapists in Supporting Grieving Clients

Recorded webinar.

This comprehensive training aims to equip therapists with the knowledge and skills necessary to provide effective support to individuals experiencing traumatic grief. Traumatic grief can deeply impact both children and adults, making it crucial for therapists to understand the unique symptoms, psychological and emotional impacts, and appropriate interventions for these populations. Through a blend of theoretical frameworks, practical strategies, and case studies, participants will gain the tools needed to navigate the complexities of traumatic grief and empower their clients on their healing journey. 

Learning Objectives: 

1. Recall and describe the distinguishing symptoms of traumatic grief.    

2. Explain the complexities of traumatic grief compared to other forms of bereavement. 

3. Apply appropriate assessment tools to identify and evaluate traumatic grief symptoms.  

4. Evaluate the suitability and effectiveness of various grief models in addressing traumatic grief. 

Research:   

• Champion, M. J., & Kilcullen, M. (2023). Complicated Grief Following the Traumatic Loss of a Child: A Systematic Review. Omega - Journal of Death and Dying, 003022282311704. https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228231170417  

• Contessa, J. C., Padoan, C. S., Da Silva, J. L., & Magalhães, P. C. (2021). A Qualitative Study on Traumatic Experiences of Suicide Survivors. Omega- Journal of Death & Dying, 003022282110244. https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228211024486  

• Daniel, T. (2023). The Stubborn Persistence of Grief Stage Theory. Omega - Journal of Death and Dying, 003022282211498. https://doi.org/10.1177/00302228221149801  

• Lee, S. A., & Neimeyer, R. A. (2020). Pandemic Grief Scale: A screening tool for dysfunctional grief due to a COVID-19 loss. Death Studies, 46(1), 14–24. https://doi.org/10.1080/07481187.2020.1853885  

• Lenferink, L. I. M., Eisma, M. C., Smid, G. E., De Keijser, J., & Boelen, P. A. (2022). Valid measurement of DSM-5 persistent complex bereavement disorder and DSM-5-TR and ICD-11 prolonged grief disorder: The Traumatic Grief Inventory-Self Report Plus (TGI-SR+). Comprehensive Psychiatry, 112, 152281. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2021.152281  

• Wojtkowiak, J., Lind, J., & Smid, G. E. (2021). Ritual in Therapy for Prolonged Grief: A Scoping Review of Ritual Elements in Evidence-Informed Grief Interventions. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 11. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2020.623835 

Target Audience: social workers, mental health practitioners, creative arts therapists, marriage and facility therapists, psychologists, addiction professionals, case managers, and other interested individuals. 

We are happy to respond to any concerns or questions you may have. Please contact us at by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.

ADA Accommodations: If you require any support for your ADA needs in the United States, please contact us by email at least 3 weeks prior to the event by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.