Navigating the grieving process can be a deeply personal and often confusing journey. This course is designed to provide clarity and guidance on the dynamics of grief duration and expectations. Participants will delve into the emotional, cognitive, and physical dimensions of grief, gaining insights into why expectations about grief can differ widely among individuals and cultures. They will explore factors that influence these expectations, such as personal beliefs, societal norms, and past experiences, and gain tools to manage and adjust these expectations effectively.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:
- Identify typical expectations people have about the grieving process and how these expectations can vary culturally and individually.
- Investigate factors such as personal beliefs, societal norms, and past experiences that shape one’s expectations related to grief.
- Explore available support systems, community resources, and professional help that can assist in managing grief expectations effectively.
Social workers completing this course will receive 2 Clinical recorded distance learning asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 hours of Ethics, Clinical, and General Skill Building continuing education training.
Course Format: This course is a recorded asynchronous distance learning course delivery with downloadable presentation slides and, if applicable, course supplemental handouts. The learner is required to complete an evaluation assessing the applicability of the course to meet their learning and development needs, and pass a quiz based on course content with a 70% or higher to achieve the CE certificate of completion. The learner is able to reset the test as needed until a satisfactory score is achieved. Once the learner has completed the evaluation and successfully passed the quiz, they will be able to return to their account dashboard and view/download their certificate.
Target Audience: Licensed Social Workers, Licensed Mental Health Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists.
For all other questions not addressed, please visit our FAQs page.
Course 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
Recording Date: 9/18/2024
CEUS On-Demand, LLC, provider #2274, 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: 08/7/2026 - 08/6/2027. Social workers completing this course receive 2hrs Clinical continuing education credits.
CEUs On-Demand, 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. CEUs On-Demand, LLC is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.
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Request for Special Accommodations: Learners can request special accommodations by contacting the administrative team at admin@ceus-ondemand.com