Description:

The Holiday season is a time that is supposed to be full of cheer and joy.  But as mental health professionals, we know that this time can be very difficult for our clients struggling with grief and loss.  Holiday traditions can serve as a reminder of what has been lost, and the happiness of others can make grieving individuals feel isolated and alone.

Clinical psychologist and author of the book "Focused Positivity: The Path to Success and Peace of Mind," John F. Tholen, PhD, notes "the best way to approach others who are struggling with a major loss—or who are likely to have had their grief exacerbated by confronting a first holiday season without the loved one—is usually to do nothing more than validate their feelings, make it clear that we care and want to be of help, and then be guided by their response."

This training is designed to equip mental health professionals with the fundamentals of grief and loss in order to assist our clients in navigating the triggers that may appear during the holiday season, reminding them of those people and things that may no longer be present in their lives.  

Learning Objectives:

1. What is the difference between bereavement, grief, and mourning?

2.  What are the common losses that are grieved?  

3.  What are the common responses to grief and loss?

4.  What are the emotional and physical signs? 

5.  When does grief become “complicated”