Mental health professionals are often called to hold space for both pain and possibility—but how do we ethically and effectively support clients in navigating the tension between grief and joy? This advanced level training explores the clinical use of paradox in grief work, with a focus on cumulative loss, ambiguous grief, and the emergence of meaning and vitality in the healing process. Grounded in trauma informed care, mindfulness-based theory, and cultural humility, this session introduces strategies for expanding emotional range, supporting posttraumatic growth, and honoring complexity in the therapeutic relationship. Participants will engage in reflective dialogue, case-based learning, and integrative practices designed to deepen resilience and presence in their clinical work.

Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

• Analyze how paradox functions in therapeutic work with grief, loss, and joy.
• Evaluate advanced strategies for navigating cumulative and ambiguous grief across client populations.
• Develop trauma-informed interventions that support emotional flexibility and expand affective range.
• Formulate an integrated clinical approach that ethically and compassionately holds complexity, meaning-making, and posttraumatic growth.