How Long Will This Take? Managing Expectations of the Grief Process (2 HR) Syllabus

I. Understanding Grief and Loss

• Grief as a natural, multifaceted response to loss
• Differentiating grief from mourning, trauma, and depression
• Cultural and familial influences on grief expectations
• Losses beyond death: identity, functionality, hope, and future

II. Theories and Models of Grief

• Freud, Bowlby, Lindemann, Worden, Rando, Kübler-Ross, and Kessler
• The six Rs of mourning and the tasks of grief
• Companioning model: presence over direction, honoring silence
• Accommodation, adjustment, and finding enduring connections

III. Types and Expressions of Grief

• Acute, integrated, and complicated grief
• Anticipatory, ambiguous, disenfranchised, and chronic sorrow
• Guilt types: grief guilt, moral guilt, illegitimate guilt, relationship guilt
• Recognizing intuitive vs. instrumental grievers

IV. Cultural and Personal Influences

• Impact of spirituality, gender roles, societal norms
• Influence of previous experiences with death
• Importance of acknowledging and honoring diverse grief styles
• The myth of “moving on” and pressure to return to normal

V. Case Exploration and Clinical Considerations

• Case study: sudden vs. anticipated death
• Grief in children, adolescents, and multigenerational families
• Risk factors: unresolved trauma, preexisting stress, lack of support
• Differentiating grief from clinical depression or PTSD

VI. Prolonged Grief Disorder (PGD)

• Diagnostic criteria and symptom duration
• Impact on identity, functionality, and emotion regulation
• Neurobiological perspectives and potential pharmacological interventions
• PGD as distinct from other mental health conditions

VII. Communication in Grief Support

• Traits of helpful vs. harmful supporters
• What to say and what not to say
• Validating grief through presence and curiosity
• Addressing misconceptions and common language pitfalls

VIII. Supportive Practices and Interventions

• Silence, validation, and compassionate curiosity
• Listening without judgment or solution-seeking
• Offering practical support and emotional containment
• Recognizing when grief needs clinical intervention

IX. Care for the Supporter

• Self-care vs. self-soothing strategies
• Mindful awareness of burnout symptoms
• Reflective writing and community support
• Sustainable practices for clinicians, caregivers, and allies