Aging and death are universal experiences, yet they remain some of the most difficult topics to discuss, both in therapy and in society at large. This workshop explores the psychological, emotional, and existential challenges that arise as clients and families confront aging, mortality, and end-of-life transitions. Participants will gain insight into how grief, identity shifts, and societal attitudes toward aging impact mental health. The session will also cover therapeutic approaches that foster meaning-making, dignity, and resilience in older adults and their families. By the end of this workshop, clinicians will feel more prepared to support clients in embracing aging with intention and processing end-of-life concerns with compassion and confidence.
Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to
- Examine the psychological and emotional challenges of aging and mortality.
- Identify therapeutic approaches to support meaning-making, grief processing, and end-of-life transitions.
- Explore the impact of societal attitudes on aging and death and their influence on clients’ mental health.
- Discuss ethical considerations in working with aging populations and end of-life care.
Syllabus:
Introduction
- Overview of objectives and structure
Objective #1: Examine the psychological and emotional challenges of aging and mortality
- Identify common emotional struggles in older adulthood including grief, loss of autonomy, and existential distress
- Differentiate between normal aging processes and complications requiring clinical attention (e.g., prolonged grief, cognitive decline)
- Explore how identity shifts, role changes, and isolation contribute to emotional complexity in older adults
Objective #2: Identify therapeutic approaches to support meaning-making, grief processing, and end-of-life transitions
- Utilize Meaning-Centered Therapy to help clients reframe their narrative and connect with a sense of purpose
- Apply Dignity Therapy to preserve legacy, foster generativity, and support emotional repair at the end of life
- Integrate Grief-Focused CBT strategies to address complicated grief, challenge maladaptive thoughts, and promote re-engagement in life
Objective #3: Explore the impact of societal attitudes on aging and death and their influence on clients’ mental health
- Define internalized and systemic ageism and how they affect self-worth and engagement in therapy
- Examine death denial in Western culture and its impact on client readiness to discuss end-of-life topics
- Discuss culturally responsive approaches to aging and dying, acknowledging both client beliefs and therapist biases
Objective #4: Discuss ethical considerations in working with aging populations and end-of-life care
- Navigate issues of autonomy, informed consent, and decision-making capacity in older clients
- Maintain ethical boundaries while supporting families involved in caregiving and end-of-life planning
- Practice cultural humility and sensitivity around death-related rituals, beliefs, and family structures
Summary & Q&A
- Review of key takeaways
- Open discussion and additional resources
Social workers completing this course receive 2 Clinical asynchronous continuing education credits.
For other board approvals, this course qualifies for 2 Clinical continuing education training.
Instructor: Aseem Garg, LPCC-S, LMFT
Recording Date: June 6, 2025
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