Essential Grief and Loss Skills for Companioning Mourners

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*Registration payment includes Credit Cards and Interfund Transfers ONLY.

Target Audience

Social workers, psychologists, licensed professional counselors, educators, school personnel, mental health professionals, clinicians, health and human service practitioners, and other health care professionals.

Description

Grief touches every life, yet it remains one of the most misunderstood human experiences. Whether sudden or anticipated, loss can reshape our emotions, relationships, and sense of self. Understanding grief is not only essential for those who experience it but also for those who support them. This dynamic and interactive presentation offers participants a comprehensive exploration of grief as a complex, multifaceted experience. Through thought-provoking discussions and practical insights, we will examine the emotional, cognitive, and physical responses to grief, uncover how it manifests across different stages of life, and dispel common myths surrounding loss. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of the diverse types of grief—including anticipatory, disenfranchised, and complicated grief—and the unique challenges they present, such as guilt, depression, and anxiety. In addition, the session will equip attendees with evidence-based strategies and compassionate approaches for supporting and companioning individuals as they navigate their grief journey. By the end of this program, participants will leave with actionable skills and a renewed confidence in fostering healing and resilience in those they serve.

Speaker
David McLawhorn, MSW, LCSW
Memory Counseling Program
Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist Hospital

This presenter is being supported through a partnership between UNC-CH, School of Social Work and the NCAHEC Program.

Webinar Information
This webinar will be broadcast with Zoom. Instructions to join the webinar will be emailed prior to the event. You can test your computer by going to the Zoom Test Page.

South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5096. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. South Piedmont Area Health Education Center (AHEC) is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Registering for and attending a South Piedmont AHEC program authorizes South Piedmont AHEC to take audio, video, and/or still images to be used for promotional and educational purposes. If you have concerns, please speak with a South Piedmont AHEC team member.

Objectives

• Discuss the basics of grief including emotional and physical responses.
• Recognize grief throughout the lifespan.
• Examine common misconceptions about grief and loss.
• Identify types of grief and loss.
• Discuss cultural considerations in supporting grievers.
• Examine common grief responses (guilt, depression, and anxiety).
• Implement techniques for supporting grievers.

Sessions