Complicated Grief Part 2: Helping Clients Move Beyond Grief to Purpose
$45.00
Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD): pathological grief, prolonged grief, and complicated grief, existed before. The first criteria set for PGD diagnosis in the DSM-5 was persistent complex bereavement disorder, with symptoms lasting more than one year. In this Part 2 Segment of Complicated Grief, we will clarify current issues and methods to help clients define and develop milestone markers for a healthy grieving process.
Upon completion of the training, participants will be able to:
- Clarify current issues with complicated and prolonged grief.
- Develop milestone markers of a healthy grieving process.
- Assist the client in identifying distorted cognitive thinking regarding grief.
- Incorporate counteractive measures to distorted beliefs.
- Create a plan for therapists to help clients lower grieving stress symptoms.
Social workers completing this course receive 3 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 3 hours of Clinical, Evidence-Based Practices, and General Skill Building continuing education training.
Course Instructor: Dr. Paul Hardy, D. Min, CSAC, NMAC
Recording Date: 9/07/2024
Recorded Live Webinar with downloadable presentation slides and/or handouts, evaluation, and a required quiz. The learner is required to pass with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test until a satisfactory score is achieved. CE Training Workshops, LLC, provider #1770, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: 8/2/2022 – 8/2/2025. CE Training Workshops, LLC has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 7091. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CE Training Workshops, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs. System Requirements: Firefox, Chrome, Brave, Safari, Edge on any modern operating system (Windows, MacOS, Linux, Android, iOS). A desktop browser is recommended. We do not provide support resources for issues encountered using a mobile device. For more information about our policies and board approval statements, please visit our FAQS page.
Paul Hardy, D. Min., CSAC, NMAC is a National Master Addictions Counselor (NMAC) with a Doctor of Ministry degree in Pastoral Counseling from Liberty University. Dr. Paul has thirty years of experience in pastoral counseling, substance use work, trauma recovery, and anger management work.
Complicated Grief Part 2: Helping Clients Move Beyond Grief to Purpose (3 HR) Syllabus
I. Understanding Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)
- Defined as persistent complex bereavement with symptoms over one year
- Includes identity disruption, emotional numbness, and avoidance
- Impacts both mental and physical health—linked to cardiovascular events and stress-related disorders
- Requires differentiation from typical grieving processes and depression
II. Challenging Traditional Grief Models
- Questions the rigidity of the five stages of grief
- Encourages redefining self after loss rather than “moving on”
- Recognizes acute grief may lessen in months but resurfaces over time
- Acknowledges spiritual crises and loss of faith as part of the grief journey
III. Phases of Grieving
- Phase 1: Reaction – absorbing the emotional impact
- Phase 2: Rumination & Replay – obsessive review and meaning-seeking
- Phase 3: Return – re-engaging with life post-loss
- Emphasizes the non-linear nature of grief recovery
IV. Cognitive Distortions in Grief
- Examples include “I should have done more,” “It’s not fair,” and “I can’t move on”
- Clients may resist support, feel guilt, or deny the future
- Hogan Grief Reaction Checklist used to assess distorted beliefs
- Distortions often rooted in self-blame, hopelessness, and avoidance
V. Milestone Markers of Healthy Grieving
- H.E.A.L.I.N.G.: Honor, Ease emotional pain, Accept grief, Learn to live with loss
- Integrate memories, Narrate stories, Gather support
- These milestones represent adaptive coping and emotional integration
VI. Addressing Comorbid Conditions
- Grief often coexists with PTSD, substance use, sleep disorders, and social isolation
- Childhood trauma may exacerbate emotional dysregulation
- Prolonged grief can mimic or trigger anxiety, depression, or suicidal ideation
- Requires holistic assessment and integrated treatment planning
VII. Reframing Distorted Beliefs
- Counter maladaptive thoughts with acceptance, compassion, and narrative therapy
- Promote “moving forward with grief” versus “moving on”
- Validate continued bonds and meaning reconstruction
- Address survivor guilt and rumination through grounding techniques
VIII. Anchoring Techniques and Continuing Bonds
- Therapeutic tools: letter writing, empty chair technique, linking objects
- Emphasize rituals and symbolic acts to maintain healthy emotional connection
- Continued bonds reduce anxiety and support purpose-finding after loss
- Encourage expression in safe, supported environments
IX. Reducing Stress and Building Coping Plans
- Activities: breathe, move, write, talk, distract, create
- Address both physical and emotional symptoms of grief
- Self-care plans include trusted support, mood boosters, and healing places
- Encourage gradual re-engagement with life and identity exploration
X. Reconstruction and Meaning-Centered Grief Therapy
- Grieving is an active process of reconstructing identity and meaning
- Model includes validation, memory integration, restoration, and transcendence
- Emphasizes resilience and transformation through ongoing reflection
- Incorporates cognitive, emotional, and spiritual healing over time
