Transformative Approaches to Grief Therapy: Healing Unresolved Loss & Fostering Reconstructed Relationships with Robert Neimeyer and Carolyn Ng

When grief becomes overwhelmingly preoccupying and protracted, it often emerges at the crossroads of death and the relationships it has disrupted.

In this comprehensive course, we will delve into Attachment-Informed and Two-Track models of bereavement. Our goal is to provide mental health professionals with the tools they need to address complex and enduring grief.

Part 1: Understanding Grief as a Process of Reconstructing Bonds

In Part 1 of this course, we will explore grieving as a profound process of reconstructing, rather than simply relinquishing, our connections with those who have passed away. We will examine the complicating factors that can interfere with this natural process.

Key highlights include:

Attachment-Informed Perspective: We will discuss the attachment-informed view of grief, emphasizing the importance of recognizing and nurturing the bonds that persist even after a loved one’s death.

Case Study Analysis: We will closely examine a single therapy session in which an adult daughter successfully breaks free from the grip of anguishing, long-standing grief. This case study illustrates how grief can infiltrate one’s life with intimate others.

Quality Terms in Narrative: We will emphasize the significance of “quality terms” in the case study client’s narrative, which vividly express the nature of her connection with her mother. These terms also symbolize the devastation of her death and serve as beacons of hope for a reconstructed relationship.

Therapeutic Techniques: We will explore therapeutic techniques, including body imagery and chair work, as powerful tools for facilitating transformative change in grief therapy.

Follow-up Report: This course will conclude with a follow-up report on the case study therapy session, providing valuable insights into the lasting impact of these therapeutic interventions.

Part 2: A Practicum in Core Grief Therapy Techniques

In Part 2 of this course, we will move from theory to experiential practice, focusing on two core techniques of grief therapy. The goal is to enhance personal presence and clinical competence when dealing with complex bereavement cases.

Key highlights include:

Hands-On Practice: Participants will engage in practical exercises to refine their skills in grief therapy. These exercises will allow therapists to apply the theories and techniques discussed in Part 1.

Interactive Learning: Collaborative discussions and peer feedback will help participants gain a deeper understanding of the challenges associated with grief therapy.

By the end of this course, participants will be better equipped to help clients navigate the intricate journey of grief, facilitating the reconstruction of meaningful connections with their loved ones who have passed away.

This course promises to be an invaluable resource for practitioners seeking to enhance their therapeutic capabilities in grief therapy and address complications in bereavement effectively.