When Loss is Complicated: Supporting System-Involved Youth Affected by Stigmatized, Disenfranchised & Ambiguous Loss

Wendy Kessler, MSW, FT

Training Description

Grief is our natural response to loss. It is an innate process that is wired into human beings so that we can process painful emotions, understand what we need, adapt to unwanted changes, and grow through loss. However, there are multiple factors – internal and external – that complicate grief, causing this natural process to become stalled or derailed. This training will educate participants about common grief complications - with a focus on the non-death losses created by ambiguity, stigma, and disenfranchisement. Instruction includes techniques and strategies to effectively support system-involved youth and caregivers experiencing complicated grief. Participants will be informed through presenter instruction, a slide presentation, small group discussion, explanation of supportive techniques, and demonstration. To increase participant engagement and content retention, the presenter will also utilize the chat box, reaction emojis, guided participant discussion, and Questions and Response.

Learning Objectives

Participants will…