Grief & Loss Workshops for Therapists, Agencies, and Healthcare Professionals

During this presentation Dr. Walter discusses with senior citizens how older adults can begin to enjoy their daily activities again after the loss of a spouse. Because the loss of a loved one does not mean the loss of a relationship, Dr. Walter facilitates a discussion about how the importance of continuing bonds can help to create new pathways in their lives. Older adults who have been caregivers for their spouses will identity important ways of care for themselves.

Topics include the evolution of grief theory and explanation of how post-modern concepts inform grief intervention. Discussion will center around how the destabilization of loss promotes growth differentially over the course of the lifespan and how identification of losses other than death impact individuals at varied life course phases. Social workers who take this course will better understand grief theory, both traditional and post-modern concepts and how they inform intervention with their clients. They will also better understand how loss promotes growth.

Grief, loss and transition are inevitable passages during adulthood. Through this interactive seminar, participants will gain a greater understanding of grief ( including its many manifestations), loss and transition and ways these experiences during adulthood can lead to growth.. Therapists will come away with an appreciation of the dual process of mourning and its importance to the client and therapist. Specific attention will be paid to the unique maturational losses in young adults, mid-life adults, "third quarter" adults who are retiring or reinventing themselves and older adults.

Dr. Walter will discuss how resilience, meaning-making, and continuing bonds with the deceased are integral to healing toward growth and change. She will also address how shame and forgiveness are concepts that professionals need to understand as a part of the healing process. The effect of adult developmental issues upon the experience of loss, transition and growth will be discussed. Film clips will be used to illustrate some of the losses experienced during different phases of adulthood.

In addition to interventions for therapists working with bereaved clients and those who are disenfranchised in their grief, she will cover therapist self-care and coping with compassion fatigue through guided imagery.

Throughout this workshop attendees will have an opportunity to ask questions and discuss case material that pertains to issues of grief and loss.

During this two-hour interactive workshop Dr. Walter will help clinical social workers and social work interns gain an understanding of grief and its many manifestations, including concepts such as the dual process of mourning and the importance of continuing bonds. Attendees will also learn to appreciate how resilience and meaning making contribute to the healing process. During the second half of this workshop attendees will have an opportunity to discuss challenging clients who are coping with issues of grief and loss.