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.