Many people continue to treat death and grief as forbidden topics. Even greater is the inability to name and process non-death losses and grieve the unseen. This course is designed to explore the often-overlooked realm of grief associated with significant life changes beyond death, delving into divorce, job loss, relationship breakdowns, health challenges, and other impactful transitions. Through a blend of theoretical insights, real-life case studies, and practical exercises, learners will gain a deeper understanding of how these losses affect individuals emotionally, psychologically, and socially. Participants will develop practical skills in supporting others through grief, fostering empathy, and employing effective communication techniques.

Objectives: 

Classify what constitutes as non-death losses and understand the emotional, psychological, and social impacts of these types of losses on individuals and communities.

Investigate factors such as personal beliefs, cultural norms, and the nature of the loss that shape how individuals respond and grieve them.

Create empathy and supportive communication skills to effectively help others experiencing non-death losses, including techniques for active listening and validation.

Formulate opportunities for personal growth, resilience, and finding meaning in loss.

Instructor: Clara Anderson Sainte, LCSW, LSCSW

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